The Namibian government has announced a temporary ban on state funerals, effective until April 2026, amid growing criticism over the increasing costs of these burials.
The decision was made following a Cabinet meeting and will be reviewed by a committee consisting of no more than seven members.
Only President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the power to exempt funerals from the moratorium.
The move comes after local media reported that the government spent 38.4m Namibian dollars ($2.2m; £1.6m) on official funerals in the 2024/2025 financial year, with 30m Namibian dollars spent on transporting the body of founding President Sam Nujoma around the country ahead of his state funeral in February.
Critics argue that the costs are excessive, especially given the economic challenges faced by many Namibians.
