1. Namibia’s President Hage Geingob passes away at 82
2. Namibian President Hage Geingob’s death at 82 years old.
Namibian President Hage Geingob Passes Away at 82
Namibia is mourning the loss of its founding prime minister and anti-apartheid activist, Hage Geingob, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The news of his death was announced by Acting President Nangolo Mbumba, who was sworn in just hours after Geingob’s passing. The president passed away at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he had been undergoing treatment for cancer. His wife and children were by his side during his final moments.
Mbumba expressed the nation’s grief, stating, “The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution, and the pillar of the Namibian house.”
Geingob’s battle with cancer was made public recently, as his office announced that he was undergoing treatment for “cancerous cells” discovered in a biopsy following a routine colonoscopy. He had traveled to the U.S. for treatment last month.
Born in 1941, Geingob spent 27 years in exile in Botswana and the U.S. due to his anti-apartheid activism. During his time in the U.S., he pursued higher education, earning a politics degree at Fordham University in New York City. He also studied at The New School and Temple University in Philadelphia.
Geingob returned to Namibia in 1989, just as the country was on the verge of gaining independence from South Africa. In 1990, he became Namibia’s first prime minister, serving until 2002, and then again from 2008 to 2012. He was elected as the country’s third president in 2015, and was in the midst of his second term at the time of his passing.
His current term was set to end later this year, with Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah taking his place on the South West Africa People’s Organization party’s ticket in the upcoming elections. Mbumba will lead Namibia until March 21 of next year, when the winner of the elections will be inaugurated. Nandi-Naditwah paid tribute to Geingob as “a true democratic and a transformational leader who touched many lives.”
While Geingob’s administration faced a scandal related to fishing quotas, his legacy lies in his advocacy for self-determination. African leaders, as well as leaders from other nations, have expressed their condolences. Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised Geingob’s leadership and resilience, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid, and a close personal friend.
Even President Biden offered his condolences, recognizing Geingob as an eloquent advocate for his country and continent, who stood up for his values and beliefs.
Namibia has lost a remarkable leader and advocate for freedom and self-determination. Hage Geingob’s passing leaves a significant void in the nation, but his contributions and legacy will continue to inspire future generations..
1. Namibia President Hage Geingob death age
2. President Hage Geingob dies in Namibia at 82.
