11 African leaders for Mugabe funeral

Harare(New Ziana) – At least 11 Heads of State and Government and eight former presidents have confirmed they will attend the funeral service for former President Robert Mugabe at the weekend, a senior government official said on Thursday.

Former President Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years until his resignation in 2017, died last Friday in Singapore where he was receiving medical treatment.

He was 95, and his body returned home on Wednesday.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba said in a statement several incumbent and former African leaders had confirmed they will attend the funeral service, which will held at the 60 000-seater national stadium in Harare.

Among those confirmed to attend are President Theodore Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Nana Akufo –Addo of Ghana, President Peter Mutharika of Malawi, President Joao Lorenco of Angola, Brahim Ghali of Saharawi, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Fillipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President Edgar Lungu of Zambia, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and President Hage Geingob of Namibia.

Ethiopia’s Vice Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen was also expected to attend.

On the other hand, former presidents who have confirmed attending the service include, South Africa’s Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki, Joachim Chissano of Mozambique, Kenneth Kaunda and Rupiah Banda of Zambia, Botswana’s Festus Mohae and Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba and Sam Nujoma.

New Ziana