Namibia’s President Hage Geingob passed away on Sunday at the age of 82, as announced by his office. Geingob, serving his second term as president and the country’s inaugural prime minister post-independence, had revealed his battle with cancer last month.
His recent activities included supporting South Africa’s complaint against Israel under the Genocide Convention and condemning Germany, Namibia’s former colonial ruler, for rejecting the case.
Acting president Nangolo Mbumba expressed profound sorrow in a statement, disclosing that Geingob was surrounded by his wife, Madame Monica Geingos, and children at the time of his passing.
Cancerous cells were detected through a biopsy following a routine check-up in January. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Geingob’s leadership, emphasizing his role in Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid, as well as his support for South Africa’s freedom.
Kenyan President William Ruto commended Geingob’s dedication to a unified Africa and global visibility.
Elected president in 2014, Geingob held the record as Namibia’s longest-serving prime minister and third president. He underwent brain surgery in 2013 and an aortic operation in 2023.
Until his demise, Geingob received treatment at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek. Acting President Mbumba urged the nation to remain calm, highlighting Geingob’s contributions as a liberation icon and constitutional architect. The cabinet would convene immediately to address the necessary state arrangements.
Born in northern Namibia in 1941, Geingob, outside the Ovambo ethnic group, played a pivotal role in anti-apartheid activism, representing the SWAPO liberation movement at the UN in 1964.
After almost three decades abroad, he returned to Namibia in 1989 to lead SWAPO’s election campaign in the now-independent nation.
As the nation mourns Geingob’s passing, Namibia is set to hold presidential and national assembly elections later in the year.
