Windhoek: The government has urged citizens to refrain from holding large public gatherings and celebrations during the mourning period for Founding President Sam Nujoma, who died on Saturday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in a statement issued on Monday, Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Modestus Amutse, emphasised the importance of showing respect during this time. 'The government would like to discourage the nation from large public gatherings and celebrations that could be deemed as disrespectful during the mourning period for Sam Nujoma, Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation,' Amutse said.

Indoor gatherings may however continue to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, the deputy minister said. The mourning period, which began on Sunday, will remain in effect until further notice. During this time, all flags across Namibia and at Namibian embassies worldwide will be flown at half-mast.

The ministry said it will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.