Namibia Mourns as President Hage Geingob Passes Away; Nangolo Mbumba Sworn in as Successor
Namibia is grappling with the loss of President Hage Geingob, aged 82, who succumbed to illness while undergoing medical treatment in Windhoek on Sunday. In a swift turn of events, Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, who had announced Geingob’s death, was sworn in as the new president just hours later.
Geingob, a key figure in Namibia’s fight for independence, had been battling cancer, a diagnosis he made public a month before his demise. Describing Geingob as a “liberation icon,” Mbumba assured the nation of stability during this transition period.
The sudden swearing-in ceremony at the state house occurred a mere 15 hours after Geingob’s passing. Mbumba, addressing concerns about upcoming elections, reassured the public, stating, “I am not going to be around for the elections, so don’t panic.”
Paying homage to the late president, Mbumba acknowledged Geingob’s role in shaping the nation’s constitution and pledged to carry the weighty responsibility of leadership. Geingob, who first assumed the presidency in 2015, had been a prominent political figure since Namibia gained independence in 1990.
The cause of Geingob’s death remains undisclosed, but his recent treatment in the United States for cancerous cells was made public in January. Radio tributes in Namibia depict Geingob as a visionary and affable leader, with condolences pouring in from global leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Geingob, known for his deep voice and towering presence, spent 27 years in exile before returning to Namibia in 1989. Despite his initial popularity, marked by an 87% vote in the 2014 election, his support dwindled to 56% in 2019. Economic challenges, unemployment, and corruption scandals, such as the “fishrot” affair, contributed to a decline in public confidence.
Namibia Mourns President Geingob:
Namibia President died while receiving treatment in Windhoek
Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba sworn in as interim President
Pres. Ruto describes geingob as a distinguished leader #SundayLive @VickyRubadiri @KoinangeJeff pic.twitter.com/oGQjGhnPfJ
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 4, 2024
As Namibia faces a turning point, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Geingob’s chosen successor for the upcoming elections, assumes the role of vice-president and could become the country’s first female president if elected.