Early Sunday, Namibia was shaken by the news of President Hage G. Geingob’s passing at the age of 82 while undergoing cancer treatment at a hospital in Windhoek, the nation’s capital, as announced by the presidential office.
Acting president Nangolo Mbumba conveyed the sombre message via the official social media account of the Namibian Presidency, expressing profound sadness at the loss of “our beloved Dr Hage G. Geingob.” Geingob, who served as Namibia’s third president since March 21, 2015, and secured re-election for another term in 2019, had a distinguished career, including stints as prime minister from 1990-2002 and 2012-2015, along with various other leadership positions.
Despite the relentless efforts of his medical team at Lady Pohamba Hospital, Geingob’s health continued to decline, ultimately resulting in his passing. Described as a “liberation struggle icon” and “the chief architect of our constitution,” Geingob’s legacy in shaping Namibia’s history is immense.
The statement urged Namibians to maintain composure as the government tends to the necessary arrangements and protocols following the president’s passing.
Previously, on Saturday, Vice President Mbumba had informed the nation of Geingob’s critical but stable condition as he underwent chemotherapy treatment. The journey began on Jan. 19 when the Namibian presidency revealed the discovery of cancerous cells following a biopsy examination, marking the start of a challenging battle against the illness.
