Namibia’s President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, aged 82, passed away on Sunday morning at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he was undergoing cancer treatment, according to a statement from the presidency. The announcement followed his return from the United States last Wednesday, where he received a novel two-day cancer treatment.
Acting President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba expressed deep sorrow, stating that despite the dedicated efforts of Geingob’s medical team, the President could not be saved. Recognizing Geingob as a distinguished servant, liberation struggle icon, constitutional architect, and a pillar of Namibia, Mbumba called for calm as the government attends to state arrangements.
Geingob, elected as Namibia’s president in 2015, was serving his second and final term. He had successfully overcome aortic surgery in 2023 and had declared victory over prostate cancer. Namibia is set to hold elections in November, with the ruling SWAPO party recently electing Deputy Prime Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate.
A former teacher and political activist, Geingob played pivotal roles in Namibia’s history. In the 1960s, he left his teaching job to seek educational change, facing challenges in escaping Namibia due to political tensions. Geingob’s commitment to education reform led him to Botswana, where he served as Assistant SWAPO Representative.
Known for his passion for football and music, Geingob also faced controversy, with allegations linking him to the Fishrot scandal in 2021. In January 2024, he supported South Africa’s ICJ genocide case against Israel, denouncing violence in Gaza.
Namibia now mourns the loss of a leader who left a lasting impact on the nation’s history and politics.
