The news that President Hage Geingob’s four children were travelling with the government team to the COP28 climate summit has infuriated some Namibians.
They were identified as part of Namibia’s delegation in Dubai together with six members of the president’s family.
On Monday, the office of President Geingob acknowledged that his kids had visited the city, but refuted any suggestions that the trip was paid for by the government.
The office did not disclose the payment methods for the other family members.
“President Geingob and Madame Geingos (first lady) paid for the flights and accommodation expenses of their children,” the Namibian Presidency posted on X on Monday.
“The Namibian public and the media should be rest assured that not a single cent of public funds has been spent on the children of the first couple.”
The charges, according to the administration, are “malicious and politically motivated” and are meant to draw attention away from President Geingob and the Namibian delegation’s “excellent work” at COP28.
However, some Namibians have criticised the presidency’s reaction, claiming that is insufficient evidence that President Geingob’s family members’ travel was paid for privately.
In addition, some critics have questioned the president about his family members’ participation in COP28 and why, given that their trip was privately funded, they were included in the government delegation.
“You guys really think we are dumb? Why would they be included in the delegates list if they ain’t part of it? What is the relevance of them being in Dubai together with state delegates?” one Namibian replied on X.
“We anticipate a comprehensive report to be presented in [parliament],” said Namibian MP Inna Hengari.
She had previously lambasted the government for allegedly funding the president’s family’s trip while alleging it lacked the resources to enable the passage of a member of parliament and other legislative official to COP28.
The fury is consistent with broader criticism directed towards African governments for their hefty delegations to COP28, which some citizens claim demonstrates extravagant spending.
Several governments, such as those in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya, have justified their conduct by claiming that since many of the delegates are not state0funded represent the media, commercial institutions, and civil society organizations, many of them are not state-funded.
