Namibia’s President Hage Geingob dies at 82 after cancer diagnosis

Namibia’s President Hage Geingob, 82, died early on Sunday, the presidency said, after being diagnosed with cancer.

“It is with utmost sadness and regret that I inform you that our beloved Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, has passed on,” the presidency said in a statement posted on its social media network X account.

Geingob passed away shortly after midnight at Lady Pohamba Hospital with his wife, Madame Monica Geingos, and his children by his side, the statement by acting President Nangolo Mbumba said, without detailing the cause of his death.

Two weeks ago, it was announced that Geingob had been diagnosed with cancer.

“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,” Mbumba said.

“At this moment of deepest sorrow, I appeal to the nation to remain calm and collected while the government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations, and other protocols.”

Geingob had served as president since 2015 and was currently in his second term. He also served as the country’s first prime minister, a position he held from 1990 to 2002 under former President Sam Nujoma after Namibia gained independence from South Africa.

Geingob has been in the second term of his presidency since 2015. Before this role, he made history as Namibia’s first prime minister, holding the position from 1990 to 2002 during the tenure of President Sam Nujoma, following Namibia’s liberation from South Africa.

BY: TTU