Namibia’s president Hage Geingob die aged 82, president Ruto direct flag to be hoisted half-mast
Namibia’s president Hage Geingob has passed on today morning at Lady Pohamba Hospital where he was receiving medical treatment surrounded by his wife and children.
Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba announced Geingob’s death.
He had been diagnosed with cancer and revealed his diagnosis to the public last month (January).
“It is with utmost sadness and regret that I inform you that our beloved Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia has passed on today, Sunday 4 February 2024 at around 00h04 at Lady Pohamba Hospital where he was receiving medical treatment from his medical team.” The statement read in part.
“At his side was his dear wife Madame Monica Geingob and his children.” Mbumba said in a statement.
The 82-old leader had been diagnosed with cancer and revealed his diagnosis to the public last month.
While mourning the fallen leader, president Ruto described Geingob as a distinguished leader who served the people of Namibia with focus and dedication.
On his X handle, he noted that the 82 year old leader was a believer of a unified Africa and strongly promoted the continent’s voice and visibility at the global arena..
“President Geingob was a distinguished leader who served the people of Namibia with focus and dedication. He was a believer of a unified Africa and strongly promoted the continent’s voice and visibility at the global arena.” President Ruto said.
“May God give the people of Namibia strength and courage during this difficult period.” Added Ruto.
Geingob office announced he would be travelling to the US for treatment, but would return to Namibia on 2 February.
Geingob became president in 2015 and was serving his second and final term in office.
He underwent an aortic operation last year, and in 2014 he revealed that he had survived prostate cancer.
Namibia is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in November.
The governing Swapo party, which has been in power since independence in 1990, has chosen Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate.
She is currently also Namibia’s deputy prime minister, and will become the country’s first female president if she wins.
Mbumba was later sworn in as the acting president.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in Windhoek, following the death of President Hage Geingob.
Mbumba was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute.
Consequently, Mbumba announced Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s new Vice-President.
