Namibians express outrage as President Hage Geingob’s four children are included in the government’s delegation to the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai, UAE.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) published a list revealing the inclusion of four children of Namibian President Hage Geingob and two other members of the first family in the official Namibian delegation to the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai.
The revelation has sparked public outcry and discussions, with citizens expressing concerns about the appropriateness and funding of the president’s family members participating in the summit.
Some criticized the apparent preferential treatment, stating concerns about the misuse of taxpayers’ money for the family’s travel expenses.
Member of Parliament Inna Hengari voiced the need for accountability, pledging to address the issue in the upcoming parliamentary session.
The Namibian presidency issued a statement denying the use of state funds for the trip, asserting that President Geingob and Madame Geingos personally covered the expenses for their children.
The controversy contrasts with other nations, such as Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda, which sent larger delegations to the summit, including notable figures like the children of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu listed as government staff.