While the government has not formally linked the moratorium to public outrage over funeral expenditures, critics have emphasized the rising costs, especially during challenging economic times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With Nujoma's death at age 95 marking an end to a significant era of Namibia's fight for independence, these actions reflect growing concerns about the allocation of public funds.
Namibia Suspends State Funerals Amid Cost Criticism
Namibia Suspends State Funerals Amid Cost Criticism
Namibia's government imposes a moratorium on state funerals as public scrutiny over expenses escalates.
The Namibian administration has declared a temporary halt on state funerals following increasing public criticism regarding their exorbitant costs. The ban, which will remain in effect until April 2026, was announced by Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus after a recent Cabinet meeting. The decision follows significant spending on state funerals, with reports indicating that the government incurred 30 million Namibian dollars (approximately $1.7 million) on transport during the state funeral of founding President Sam Nujoma earlier this year. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted that state funerals cost 38.4 million Namibian dollars in the 2024/2025 financial year, contrasting sharply with only 2.1 million for 23 funerals in the previous year. A review committee will be established to assess the criteria for such funerals, and only President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah can grant exemptions to this ban.
