The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was deeply moved on Saturday on her first visit to Namibia’s national shrine, the Heroes Acre, where two former presidents were laid to rest.

“It’s a very emotional experience for me to learn of the past, and to see where founding president (Sam Nujoma) and President Hage Geingob are buried. But it also brings to the fore the resilience of the Africans, that even with the genocide behind Namibia, the country is moving forward and doing what is necessary for its people.

“It brings to the fore how strong the African is, and how Namibia has embraced its past and is moving forward. May this never happen again in Namibia or in any part of Africa. May their souls rest in peace,” Botchwey said. 

The former Ghanaian foreign affairs minister emphasised the importance of teaching Namibian and Africa’s rich history, particularly to the youth.

“This is history that must not be covered up in any way. It helps us chart a future that is one, and for all the nations, and also a future that embraces the past, that indeed, it did happen. 
However, Namibia has even decided to reconcile with those who created the whole situation of the genocide. Although the truth has been laid bare, reconciliation has happened, and they’re moving forward,” she said.

The tour of the Heroes Acre and the Independence Memorial Museum concluded Botchwey’s visit in Namibia, where she oversaw the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting and Business Leaders Summit, which ended in Windhoek on Friday.

She was accompanied by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who emphasised the importance of showcasing the country’s historical monuments to international dignitaries.

She said the independence of Namibia was a result of the efforts of Namibians themselves, some of whom paid the supreme sacrifice for independence.

“But we must always remember that we have enjoyed international solidarity from African countries, the international community, including international organisations like the Commonwealth. 

“It’s important that we bring our guests to the Heroes Acre, first to show that we respect and honour those who have made supreme sacrifices to our liberation struggle, and by doing so, to also extend our appreciation to them for having stood with us in those difficult years,” Ashipala-Musavyi explained. 

She added that it was essential for Botchwey to visit the national shrine, as she “represents an organisation that was very supportive of Namibia’s independence and continues to assist with nation-building through technical cooperation. -Nampa