Namibia is in mourning following the death of its President, Hage Geingob, at the age of 82. Vice President and interim head of state, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, officially announced the passing, expressing deep sadness and regret.
In an official statement, Dr. Mbumba shared, “Fellow Namibians, It is with utmost sadness and regret that I inform you that our beloved Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, has passed on today, Sunday 4 February 2024. His medical team, as I informed the nation only yesterday, has been trying its utmost best to ensure that our President recovers. Regrettably, notwithstanding the team’s spirited effort to save his life, sadly, fellow Namibians, President Geingob passed on.”
President Geingob had publicly revealed his battle with cancer just one month ago and had been receiving medical care in Windhoek. Despite efforts to fight the disease, he succumbed to it, leading to his demise on the announced date.
Anticipating his return to Namibia on February 2, President Geingob’s office had disclosed his intention to seek medical attention in the United States. Serving his second and final term as president, he took office in 2015.
Condolences and tributes have been pouring in from world leaders. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Dembudzo Mnangagwa expressed heartfelt condolences, praising Geingob’s leadership and resilience. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan bid farewell to “Dear Brother” Geingob, and South Africa’s ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, paid respects to “Rest in Peace SWAPO and Namibian President, Cde Hage Geingob.”
Nigeria’s leader, Bola Tinubu, lamented the loss of a visionary figure for Africa. In a condolence statement, Tinubu emphasized Geingob’s role as a veteran in the struggle for democracy, a proponent of good governance, and an advocate for economic, social, and political solidarity among African nations. The continent mourns the passing of a leader with significant contributions to the region.
