Early on the morning of Feb. 4 at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the capital city Windhoek, the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, died of cancer. He was 82 and his wife and children were at his side.
Upon learning the news, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba addressed a stunned nation, saying, “The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished public servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution and the pillar of the Namibian house.”
Several hours later, Mbumba was sworn in as president of the nation of 2.5 million people.
In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden said, “President Geingob was a fearless leader, fighting for independence, overseeing the drafting of the new nation’s constitution, and serving his country twice as prime minister and finally as president. He was an eloquent advocate for his country and continent, who stood up for his values and beliefs. We will continue to build on his legacy, strengthening our partnerships and shared vision for deeper mutual support.”
First elected in 2015, Geingob was the third president of Namibia, which is located on the southwest coast of Africa. In addition to the presidency, his long career in public service also included serving as prime minister of Namibia from 1990 to 2002, and again, 2012-2015.
Between 2008 and 2012, Geingob was Minister of Trade and Industry. At the time of his death, he was the president of the South West Africa People’s Organization Party (SWAPO).
His leadership influenced and inspired many.
“I am personally feeling the loss of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, president of the Republic of Namibia,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I had the privilege of meeting him in Namibia when I traveled there in 2021 as a member of Congress and chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights, hosting him here in Los Angeles in January. He was a distinguished statesman, a strong partner in promoting trade between our two countries, and a fighter for people’s freedom.”
It is unclear if President Mbumba will run for election in November 2024.
According to a recent report by the United Nations, 40% of the population is living in poverty.
The new president is already continuing to tackle the domestic challenges of the unemployment of approximately one-third of Namibia’s workforce.
At press time, details for the State Funeral for the late president had not yet been announced.
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