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Climbing Elbrus for Comradeship and Peace: Experience of a Russian-Invited Namibian Participant

17:59, 30 July 2024

Christina Glazkova

Writer / Editor

Mountaineers from 13 countries, including Africa and South America, climbed the highest point in Europe, Mount Elbrus, as part of the International Military Sports Council Peace Events. Sputnik Africa had a chance to talk to one of the African participants to discuss his impressions from the climbing.

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The primary objective behind Russia's inception of this competition is to foster peace and fortify international relations, Lieutenant Gervatius Mpande Shimwanga, the head of the Namibian delegation that was invited by Russia, told Sputnik Africa.

"We are here just for comradeship, just for togetherness, to promote peace in sport-related matters," he said. "We had 13 countries which came together, so the way we are interacting, the way we are communicating, it seems like [we succeeded] in what we came for."

Situated at an altitude of 5,642 meters, Elbrus is a challenging endeavor for climbers. Reflecting on his ordeal, Shimwanga mentioned that the climb was particularly difficult due to the freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. Moreover, it was his first time reaching such heights. Nevertheless, his companions, Lieutenant Gideon Hidipo and Sergeant Nelomba Lottie Kamati, had such experience and found the task more manageable.

"Yes, we managed to reach the top of the mountain, which was a good thing. [...] We are the only ones who came from Africa," he added.

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Such challenges require careful preparation. Shimwanga emphasized that it was thorough from the outset in Namibia, and everything was managed very effectively. Moreover, the delegation did not even need visas.

"In Moscow, the arrangement [...] was [also] very nice: starting from accommodation, it was very well arranged, [end ending with] [...] transport [...] [and] food. No complaints; everything went very smoothly," the Lieutenant said.

Wrapping up the interview, the speaker expressed confidence that this snowy and frosty experience would warm his soul and aid him in conquering other peaks.

"They say memories are precious; no one can steal them. So it will just remain in my heart that when I was in Russia, I experienced this, I learned this [....]," Shimwanga concluded.