By: Sheila Perestrelo
President Hage Geingob says he is of the strong opinion that African leaders’ terms should be limited, arguing that the “third wave” of African leaders is asserting the constitutional path.
Geingob made these remarks in neighbouring Angola, where he witnessed President João Lourenço’s inauguration on Thursday and also laid a wreath for the late former President José Eduardo dos Santos in Lunda on Friday.
“We believe in limiting mandates. Of course, there are those who want to go backwards. Who want to change the the constitution so they can remain in power, but generally, the people want elections, democratic elections, everywhere but nobody is perfect, just look at America.”
Geingob strongly believes in limiting Presidential terms because “if you are elected directly by the people, you don’t really have anyone to answer to, but if you are elected by parliament…well, that’s not what I advocate, but many are doing it.”
According to Geingob, this has been the mandate of the “third wave” of African leaders, amongst which he counts himself.” The first wave was those extraordinary personalities who told us to take up arms and fight, like Sékou Touré, Agostinho Neto, and others. The second wave was caught up in the, let’s say, confusion of the Cold War. Now, as I say, the third wave of African leaders is asserting the constitutional path. We believe in limiting mandates.”
Meanwhile, Geingob described the late President dos Santos as a consequential leader who made “stellar” contributions to the liberation of Southern Africa, specifically Namibia. The
President further said that dos Santos was a personal friend, and his presence at his final resting place was a testament to their friendship and the significance of Namibia-Angola bilateral cooperation.
“We were really good comrades. I knew him personally. He didn’t usually travel, but he went to Namibia for my inauguration. We were very close. Now when it was the funeral, I couldn’t travel, and I thought: I have to go and pay the last tribute to him.”
Dos Santos died in Barcelona, Spain, aged 79, following an illness.
Geingob is on a two-week itinerary that saw him attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral before departing to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77).
Additional reporting: Africa News
