– Namibia President dies at 82
– Namibia leader passes away at 82.
Namibia’s President Hage Geingob Passes Away at 82
In a tragic turn of events, Namibia’s President, Hage Geingob, has sadly passed away at the age of 82 while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in the capital, Windhoek.
A veteran of Namibia’s independence struggle, Geingob had been battling cancer and had publicly disclosed his diagnosis last month. Yesterday, surrounded by his wife and children, he peacefully departed this world, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to the Namibian people.
Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba announced the President’s passing, expressing the nation’s profound loss. Mbumba will now assume the role of acting president, as Geingob’s second term in office had less than a year remaining. Presidential and parliamentary elections were already scheduled for November.
Although the exact cause of Geingob’s death has not been disclosed, it is known that he had recently undergone a novel two-day cancer treatment in the United States. He returned to Namibia on January 31, 2024, after completing the treatment.
Geingob will be remembered as a visionary leader, known for his ability to share a joke and his unwavering commitment to his country’s independence. The people of Namibia have been paying tribute to his remarkable leadership on local radio, highlighting his role in their liberation from colonialism and apartheid.
Leaders from around the world have also been sending their condolences, recognizing Geingob’s tireless efforts to secure Namibia’s freedom. Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of neighboring South Africa, described Geingob as a towering veteran of Namibia’s struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
Geingob was a tall man with a deep, gravelly voice and a commanding presence. He spent 27 years in exile, residing in Botswana, America, and Britain, where he earned a PhD in politics. In 1989, a year before Namibia gained independence, he returned to his homeland.
Geingob served as the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister, holding the position for 12 years from 1990. He was reappointed for a shorter stint in 2012. However, his popularity waned over the years. In the 2014 election, he won a resounding victory with 87% of the vote. But by the next election in 2019, his support had decreased to 56%.
During Geingob’s first term, Namibia faced economic stagnation, high levels of unemployment, and widespread poverty, as reported by the World Bank. Additionally, his party was marred by corruption scandals, including the infamous “fish rot” scandal, where top officials were accused of accepting bribes in exchange for fishing quotas.
A 2021 poll conducted by independent organization Afrobarometer revealed that three-quarters of the population believed the country was heading in the wrong direction. The heroic narrative of Namibia’s liberation struggle, championed by Geingob’s Swapo party, was losing its appeal among a younger generation born after independence.
The passing of President Hage Geingob marks the end of an era for Namibia. His leadership, though not without challenges, will forever be remembered in the annals of the nation’s history. As Namibia mourns the loss of a distinguished servant of the people, the world joins in paying tribute to a remarkable leader.
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– Namibia’s president death
– President of Namibia passes away.
