Zambia to repatriate remains of Namibians

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has assured the Namibian government that he is committed to ensuring that the remains of Namibian freedom fighters buried in Zambia are repatriated back to Namibia.

Speaking at the Heroes Acre yesterday, the Zambian leader said the sacrifices of all anti-colonial heroes and heroines undeniably set a solid foundation for a new dispensation of democratic governance and economic development.

The New Era reported that Lungu and his delegation, which included the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Harry Kalaba, arrived in the country on Tuesday as a guest of honour at the 49th Heroes Day celebration, as well as the interment of the remains of three veterans of the liberation struggle - Anton Lubowski, Moses //Garoëb and Peter Mweshihange.

"The hope we therefore desire and the freedom we long for now, is that of economic emancipation," he said. The Zambian president said, despite Namibia being one of the youngest independent nations on the African continent, remarkable strides have been made towards socio-economic development.

"With your country's extensive natural resources base, superior infrastructure, the democratic leadership of the government that is committed to creating an enabling environment, conducive for attracting foreign investment, Namibia is poised for continued impressive economic growth in the coming years," he said.

The Zambian president noted with satisfaction that Namibia remains in charge of its destiny and continues to guard its independence jealously, in fulfilment of the vision that founding president Sam Nujoma set out in his inauguration speech on March 21, 1990.

Lungu said he was proud to state that Zambia proudly and selflessly contributed to the liberation struggle of southern Africa in line with the aims of its founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

"We resolved that in the absence of freedom and liberty in our neighbouring countries and beyond, the true value of Zambia's own independence would be meaningless."

To this effect, he said, Zambia not only became a rear base - particularly to the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), the military wing of the Swapo Party - but also a safe haven for many Namibians in exile.

In addition, Lungu reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to further strengthening its neighbourly relationship and friendship with Namibia, as well as to exploring other areas of cooperation for the benefit of both countries.