SWAPO to pronounce itself on leadership matter at a later stage, says Shaningwa

Maria David

THE SWAPO Party leadership is yet to pronounce itself on the matter related to leadership following the passing of the Party President, Hage Geingob.

Thus, Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa has condemned those engaging in discussions about the succession of the Party Presidency.

In a statement issued on Monday, Shaningwa indicated that during this period, the SWAPO Party expects the late President Geingob to be remembered and respected in a fitting manner.

“Regrettably, the SWAPO Party has observed and added with grave concern and disappointment various pronouncements by some members of the Party, through the media, on a number of constitutional aspects and implications following the death of the Party President during the national mourning period,” she said.

She added that these unsympathetic and indeed insensitive pronouncements on matters on which the Party’s Central Committee is yet to pronounce itself are regrettable.

Furthermore, Shaningwa called on the Party’s rank and file to remain calm during this difficult period of mourning for the beloved late President and to wait until the relevant Party structures, including the Central Committee, have made decisions on any matters that may require consideration following the death of President Geingob.

Therefore, Shaningwa requested Party members to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes unity, peace, and stability during this sombre and sorrow-filled period of mourning for the late President.

She stressed that the Party would pronounce itself on any matter deserving decision-making at an appropriate time.

Moreover, Shaningwa reminded each and every Namibian, and SWAPO Party member in particular, that they were enriched by the lifelong and profound courage, determination, and commitment of President Hage Geingob to the well-being of the nation.

She said that this was evident in his tireless and brave work as a freedom fighter before independence and after independence as a transformative and revolutionary Prime Minister, lawmaker, and President of the country.

“It was because of President Geingob’s unmatched contribution to the birth of a new democratic Namibian nation and its development for the last 34 years,” she added.

Shaningwa indicated that it is also against this background that His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia, immediately declared a National Mourning Period.

President Geingob is expected to be laid to rest on the 25th of February 2024.