Video PlayerClose

WINDHOEK, July 18 (Xinhua) — Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chungong on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of Namibian statesman Theo-Ben Gurirab, describing him as a “great man.”

“Namibia and the world have lost a great man, a politician without equal,” Chungong said in a statement Wednesday.

Gurirab, who died on Saturday at the age of 80, was recognized as one of the architects of Namibia’s independence. He was the representative of the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) to the United Nations during negotiations for independence.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Theo-Ben Gurirab,” Chungong said.

Gurirab was IPU president from 2008 to 2011. He held several posts in the Namibian government: as foreign minister in 1990-2002, as prime minister in 2002-2005, and as speaker of the National Assembly in 2005-2015.

He also presided over the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In 1998 Gurirab received an award from the World Association of Former United Nations Interns and Fellows “in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of human rights, peace and development, especially within the context of promoting Namibia’s nation-building.”

Namibian President Hage Geingob has since granted Gurirab the honor of “National Hero” and a state funeral. Gurirab will be buried on July 21 at Heroes Acre, in Windhoek.

bin picking