Namibians expressed anger upon discovering that President Hage Geingob’s four children were part of Namibia’s delegation to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
The inclusion of six family members in the delegation stirred controversy, with concerns raised about state funding for their trip.
President Geingob’s office confirmed his children’s presence but refuted claims that their travel was funded by the state.
The office asserted that the president and first lady personally covered their children’s flight and accommodation expenses, emphasizing that no public funds were used for their trip.
However, this response faced skepticism from some Namibians, who found it insufficient in proving private funding for the family’s travel.
Questions arose about the role of the president’s family members at COP28 and their inclusion in the government’s delegation despite supposedly privately funding their trip.
Critics questioned the relevance of their presence in Dubai alongside state delegates, highlighting the need for a comprehensive explanation, potentially in parliament.
Namibian MP Inna Hengari criticized the government’s alleged sponsorship of the president’s family while claiming a lack of funds for other essential delegates’ travel.
The backlash aligns with broader criticism across Africa regarding large delegations sent to COP28, viewed by citizens as a display of financial excess.
Some governments, including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya, defended their delegation sizes, clarifying that many delegates were not state-funded but represented media, civil society organizations, and private institutions.
Source-BBC
