Namibian President Hage Geingob Passes Away at 82

Windhoek, Namibia, February 4, 2024: Namibia mourns the loss of its President, Hage Geingob, who passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, according to an official statement from his office. The announcement comes less than three weeks after it was revealed that Geingob would undergo treatment for cancer.

Geingob breathed his last at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the capital city of Windhoek, surrounded by his wife and children, as confirmed by acting president Nangolo Mbumba in a statement shared on Geingob’s official Facebook page.

Mbumba described Geingob as a “distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution, and the pillar of the Namibian house.” He urged the nation to remain calm while the government takes care of necessary state arrangements and preparations, with further announcements to follow.

Last month, Geingob’s office disclosed that he had commenced treatment after the discovery of “cancerous cells” during a routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy. While details of the diagnosis and prognosis were not provided, it was stated that he would continue carrying out his presidential duties.

Geingob had a history of health issues predating his presidency, including brain surgery in 2013, surviving prostate cancer in 2014, and undergoing aortic surgery in South Africa last year.

The late president was scheduled to return to Namibia on February 2 after seeking medical care in the United States. Namibia, preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in November, will miss the opportunity to witness Geingob run for reelection as the constitution limits the president to two terms.

The ruling SWAPO Party’s presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah, is now poised to make history as Namibia’s first female head of state if elected. The nation awaits further developments as it bids farewell to a leader who played a pivotal role in its liberation struggle and constitutional development.