Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Saturday, February 24, represented President Paul Kagame at the state funeral of former Namibian President Hage Geingob who passed away on February 4 at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the country’s capital, Windhoek, where he was receiving cancer treatment.

Kagame earlier eulogised the fallen 82-year-old politician as a champion of Pan-Africanism whose work would be remembered for generations to come. First Lady Jeannette Kagame also travelled to Namibia to condole with the former First Lady Monica Geingos and the people of Namibia.

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Ngirente is among African leaders attending the former Namibian leader's memorial and funeral services scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at the Independence Stadium, and at the Heroes' Acre, respectively, outside Windhoek.

In a tribute to the former Namibian Head of State, on Saturday, Ngirente said: "Today, we come together to honor a true champion of Africa’s liberation struggle, and celebrate the remarkable life of a statesman, who served his great nation of Namibia. Allow me, on behalf of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the People and Government of the Republic of Rwanda, to extend our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family, and the people and Government of Namibia.

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"As we mourn this great loss, we reflect on the remarkable tenure of Dr. Hage Geingob as President of Namibia, as well as the indelible mark he has left on our continent. His quest for freedom and justice inspired generations across Africa and beyond. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who strive for self-determination and dignity. Rwanda will always remember his contributions to the excellent and brotherly relations between our two countries.”

"I wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to continue strengthening this strong foundation of friendship and cooperation. As we pay our last respects to a beloved leader, I assure you that Rwanda stands in solidarity with the family of President Geingob, and with the Government and the people of Namibia. May the legacy of President Geingob live on for generations to come, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”