Hage Geingob Namibia’s President died at 82 on Sunday while undergoing medical treatment, as announced by his office. The Namibian presidency broke the news of Hage Geingob Namibia President’s death on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). They revealed that despite the efforts of Geingob’s medical team at Lady Pohamba Hospital, he succumbed to his condition. His wife, Monica Geingos, and children by his side.
Geingob, who had been battling cancer, had undergone a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy on January 8, along with a subsequent biopsy, as disclosed by his office last month. Acting President Angolo Mbumba urged for calm in the same post. He assured that the Cabinet would promptly convene to make the necessary state arrangements in light of the sad event.
Reflecting on the journey of constructing a new Namibia, he shared on social media in 2020, accompanied by a photo of him kissing the ground upon his return.
“Despite the considerable progress we’ve made in advancing our nation, there is still more work to be done in fostering an inclusive society.”
The late Namibian President Hage Geingob
Taking office as president in 2015, Mr. Geingob was serving his second and final term. He had previously held the position of the country’s longest-serving prime minister, with a 12-year tenure starting in 1990, followed by a shorter stint in 2012.
Swapo, in power since Namibia’s independence in 1990, has selected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate for the upcoming November elections. Currently the deputy prime minister, she stands to become the country’s first female president if successful.
Leaders Around the World mourn Hage Geingob
Leaders from various nations have been expressing their condolences. Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of neighbouring South Africa, characterized Mr Geingob as
“a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid.”
Cyril Ramaphosa, the president, South African President
Mr. Geingob, a tall figure with a resonant voice had a commanding presence. He was a dedicated member of the Swapo party. He played a pivotal role in leading the movement against apartheid South Africa. It had effectively taken control of the region then known as South West Africa.
Enduring 27 years in exile, he lived in Botswana, the US, and the UK. While in exile, he pursued a PhD in politics. Mr. Geingob returned to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country achieved independence.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila passed his condolences to the family and people of Namibia. He indicated that Africa had lost a true pan-Africanist. He tweeted
“His legacy as a beacon of the liberation struggle, and architect of Namibia’s constitution will forever echo in the hearts of his people and across Africa.”
Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Amollo Odinga
Namibia Elections after Hage Geingob Namibia President death
Namibia is scheduled to conduct elections to elect a new leader in November. He has served as the president of Namibia since 2015. Geingob was in the final year of his second and last term in office. In 2014, he announced that he had successfully overcome prostate cancer. Under the constitution, Mr. Mbumba will assume the role of president. This is because Mr. Geingob’s second term had less than a year remaining. The upcoming November elections, both presidential and parliamentary, had already been slated.