Kuzeeko Tjitemisa 

President Hage Geingob has sympathised with president Xi Jinping of China and Algerian leader Abdelmadjid Tebboune following floods in Henan province due to heavy rains and wildfires ravaging mountain forests and villages east of Algeria’s capital, Algiers.

“I have learnt, with sadness, of the recent devastating floods in central China that claimed many lives and left dozens of people missing,” Geingob said in a letter to Xi. 

“Allow me, on behalf of the government and the people of Namibia, to covey to your excellency, the government of the people of China, our deep sympathies and condolences, particularly to the families of those who have lost their lives. May the Chinese people be comforted by the outpouring of grief and the expression of solidarity and support.”

Late last month, floodwaters wreaked havoc on Henan, killing at least 25 people.  Jaw-dropping video footage circulating on social media shows passengers in a subway station standing in muddy, chest-high water.

In Algeria, the fires began last Monday and have torn through the mountainous Kabyle region, killing at least 47 residents and 28 soldiers, while also destroying olive groves and livestock.

In a letter to his counterpart, Geingob said Namibian prayers and solidarity are with Algeria and her people during this hour of mourning, while being confident that the collective national strength and resilience of the Algerian people will unite them towards national healing to overcome the tragedy.

“Allow me, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Namibia, to convey to your excellency, the government and people of the Republic of Algeria, in particular the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic event and the injured, our most sincere condolences and sympathies,” Geingob said in a letter.

75th India celebration 

Geingob also extended his warm greetings to Indian president Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of their 75th Independence Day, stating that Namibia and India share a long-standing close friendship, and in the years ahead, Namibia looks forward in “deepening this bond and building on our common priorities”.

He said the common priorities include achieving sustained economic growth as well as enhancing cooperation in trade, education and other social areas for the advancement of the peoples of both countries. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown unimaginable challenges at the world; India and Namibia have been hard-hit. However, we are grateful that even under difficult circumstances, the Government of India donated much-needed vaccines to assist Namibia in fighting the virus,” Geingob said in a letter to Kovind.

“Once again, India and her people have demonstrated the meaning of true solidarity, and that a friend in need is a friend indeed. I wish your excellency good health and wisdom, and ask that you please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”