Namibia's late President Hage Geingob's funeral amid surge in patriotism

A huge crowd has attended the state funeral of Namibian President Hage Geingob following his death at the age of 82 from cancer.

Mr Geingob was interred in a mausoleum at Heroes' Acre on the outskirts of the capital, Windhoek, as mourners paid tribute to a man they hailed as a nation-builder and a pan-African hero.

His widow, Monica Geingos, wept as his casket was lowered into his grave.

Mr Geingob's funeral marked the culmination of three weeks of mourning.

Mr Geingob died in hospital on 4 February, with his deputy, Nangolo Mbumba, sworn in as his successor soon afterwards.

His death led to a surge in patriotism, with Namibians from across the political divide coming together to mourn.

Thousands of people - many carrying the Namibian flag and draped in the national colours - lined the streets as his casket was driven through Windhoek on Friday and Saturday.

His body lay in state at Independence Stadium, before being taken on Sunday, in a gun-mounted carriage, to Heroes' Acre.

Huge screens were put up so that the public could see his funeral.

The military gave Mr Geingob a 21-gun salute while K-8 fighter jets flew past.

This was the first time Namibia had buried a president since its independence from South Africa, then under white-minority rule, in 1990.

Described as the chief mourner, Mr Mbumba said Mr Geingob was unwavering in his commitment to the nation.

"Your impact on us has been profound, your footprint on this nation is immense. You leave our country in better shape," he said.

Mr Geingob's two predecessors, Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba, attended his burial, along with almost 20 heads of state and government.