Namibia's President Hage Geingob has died.
- Namibia's President Hage Geingob died early Sunday morning in a hospital in Windhoek.
- Geingob, who was serving his second term as president, announced last month that he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
- He was 82 years old.
Namibia's President Hage Geingob died early Sunday morning at a hospital in Windhoek, the presidential palace announced. He was 82 years old.
Geingob, who was serving his second term as president, announced last month that he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
“It is with the utmost sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our beloved President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, today,” said an X (formerly Twitter) signed by Acting President Nangolo Mbumba. The statement was read. .
“By his side was his beloved wife, Madame Monica Geingos, and his children.”
Notice of the death of Dr. @hagegeingobPresident of the Republic of Namibia, February 4, 2024 Dear People of Namibia, It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our beloved President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Hage G. Geingob… pic.twitter.com/Qb2t6M5nHi
— Namibia Presidency (@NamPresidency) February 4, 2024
Geingob's office announced at the time that “cancer cells” were found in a biopsy after a routine medical checkup in January.
Geingob, first elected president in 2014, was Namibia's longest-serving prime minister and third president.
Geingob underwent brain surgery in 2013 and aorta surgery in neighboring South Africa last year.
He was being treated at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek until his death.
“The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a symbol of the liberation struggle, the chief architect of our constitution and the breadwinner of the Namibian family,” Mbumba said. .
“At this moment of deepest sadness, I appeal to the public to remain calm while the government takes note of all necessary national arrangements, preparations and other protocols.”
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He said the Cabinet would convene immediately to make the necessary national arrangements.
Born in 1941 in a village in northern Namibia, Geingob became the first president of the southern African country outside of the Ovambo people, who make up more than half of the country's population.
As a student, before he was forced into exile, he began working against the South African apartheid regime that ruled Namibia at the time.
He spent almost 30 years in Botswana and the United States, leaving Botswana for the latter in 1964.
Namibia is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections towards the end of the year.
