Namibia’s President Hage Geingob dies at 82

President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Hage G. Geingob has died.

Geingob passed away early on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Lady Pohamba Hospital, where he was undergoing medical treatment.

Vice President Nangolo Mbumba confirmed that the President was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

“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. At his side, was his dear wife Madame Monica Geingos and his children, Mbumba stated.

“His medical team, as I informed the nation only yesterday has been trying its utmost best to ensure that our President recovers. Regrettably, notwithstanding the team’s spirited effort to save his life, sadly, fellow Namibians, President Geingob passed on.”

Mbumba referred to Geingob as an esteemed public servant, a symbol of the liberation struggle, the primary creator of Namibia’s Constitution, and a crucial figure in the nation’s foundation.

“At this moment of deepest sorrow, I appeal to the nation to remain calm and collected while the Government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations and other protocols. Further announcements in this regard will be made,” he added.

“While keeping the President’s bereaved family, and you, dear fellow Namibians, in our thoughts and prayers, Cabinet will convene with immediate effect in order to make the necessary state arrangements in this regard.”

Geingob, 82, returned from the U.S. on January 31, 2024, after a two-day groundbreaking cancer treatment.

The president, who disclosed his cancer diagnosis last month, is in his second and final term, having assumed office in 2015.