Namibian President Hage Geingob Passes Away During Medical Treatment

Namibian President Hage Geingob has passed away this Sunday, February 4th, 2024, while undergoing medical treatment. This is according to an announcement from his office. The 82-year-old leader, who had been battling cancer, breathed his last at Lady Pohamba Hospital.

The Namibian presidency shared the news on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to Geingob’s medical team for their efforts, although ultimately unsuccessful. Geingob passed away in the presence of his wife, Monica Geingos, and their children.

Having undergone a series of medical procedures, including a colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and biopsy on January 8, Geingob’s health had been a matter of concern. Despite the medical interventions, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise.

In response to the news, Angolo Mbumba, Namibia’s acting president, urged the public to remain calm. In the same statement, he announced that the “Cabinet will convene with immediate effect in order to make the necessary state arrangements in this regard.”

Geingob, who had been at the helm of Namibia since 2015, was in the final year of his second term as president. Notably, in 2014, he publicly declared overcoming prostate cancer. His death leaves a void in the nation’s leadership, and Namibia is now faced with the task of electing a new leader in the upcoming November elections.

Mimi Mefo Takambou