French Official attendance to State Funeral of President Geingob

On behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, will represent France to the State Funeral of President Hage Gottfried Geingob, third President of the Republic of Namibia, taking place on February 24th and 25th.

Minister Zacharopoulou will convey a message of condolences signed by President Emmanuel Macron to H.E. Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia.

Before joining Windhoek, Minister Zacharopoulou already sends a personal message to all Namibians mourning President Geingob: “President Geingob was a scintillating member of the generation of founders of African Nations. He spent his childhood under foreign domination and fought the unjust rules of apartheid. Under the authority of Sam Nujoma, the founding President, he organized the first elections, presided over the constituent work and coordinated the work of the Cabinet. He became President of the Republic of Namibia in 2015. We mourn him as a heartful leader who led to your independence, who paved the way for the emancipation of the Namibian people, and as trustworthy partner for France. I felt truly honored when President Macron asked me to join you and express our highest sympathy and deepest solidarity with Namibia”.

Already in the early 80s, President Geingob was awarded by the French Government with Les Palmes académiques, highest distinction possible to commend his dedication and major achievements for education. This personal honor echoes a long-lasting and deep bilateral relation uniting France and Namibia.

In 1981, France hosted a SWAPO representative office in Paris. France worked within the Western Contact Group to bring about the Namibian independence as fast as possible. Since the Namibian Independence, wide-ranging and impactful partnerships were implemented.

“I am particularly proud that our Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre is a vivid place in Windhoek where I am looking forward to be back once your national mourning comes to an end. Now is time for recollection and contemplation in the memory of one of your founding fathers that inspired leaders all across Southern Africa and beyond. There will be another time to enhance the multiple and meaningful ties we have bonded since your Independence” recalls Minister Zacharopoulou.

The Ambassador of France to Namibia, Sébastien Minot, added that: “in this sorrowful moment for the whole country, we are proud to welcome today to Namibia a member of the French government to attend the State Funeral of President Hage G. Geingob, third President of the Republic of Namibia, on behalf of H.E. Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic and manifest France’s solidarity and deep sympathy in this hour of grief.”