Namibia has undergone a swift transition of leadership following the death of its President, Hage Geingob, at the age of 82. Nangolo Mbumba, who was the vice-president and had announced Geingob’s death, has been sworn in as the new President of Namibia. Hage Geingob, a veteran of Namibia’s independence struggle, had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone treatment in the United States before his passing.
Nangolo Mbumba’s ascension to the presidency comes just hours after he announced Geingob’s death, and he will serve in this role until elections are held later in the year. In his address, Mbumba paid tribute to Geingob, describing him as a “liberation icon” and emphasising the stability and progress achieved during Geingob’s leadership.
Hage Geingob, who had served in top political positions since Namibia’s independence in 1990, was known for his role in the country’s fight for independence from apartheid-era South Africa. He spent years in exile, studying in the United States and the UK, before returning to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country gained independence.
During his presidency, Geingob faced challenges, including a declining popularity at the ballot box and issues related to a stagnant economy, high unemployment, and corruption scandals. His party, SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation), had chosen Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. If she wins, Nandi-Ndaitwah will become Namibia’s first female president.
Namibia is set to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in November, and Geingob, who had already served two terms, was ineligible for reelection.
The passing of Hage Geingob marks a significant moment in Namibian politics, and the nation now moves forward with new leadership at the helm.
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