Windhoek, Namibia – Namibia’s President Hage Geingob, 82, passed away on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he had been undergoing cancer treatment. The announcement came through a statement on X, formerly Twitter, signed by acting president Nangolo Mbumba.
Geingob, serving his second term, had disclosed his battle with cancer last month. A biopsy following a routine medical check-up in January had revealed “cancerous cells,” according to his office.
Born in 1941 in a northern Namibian village, Geingob was the country’s first president from outside the Ovambo ethnic group, constituting over half the population. He became president in 2014, making him Namibia’s longest-serving prime minister and third president.
Throughout his life, Geingob was an anti-apartheid activist, spending almost three decades in Botswana and the United States after leaving Namibia in 1964. He returned to lead Namibia and played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s constitution.
Geingob faced health challenges over the years, including brain surgery in 2013 and an aortic operation in South Africa last year. Despite these setbacks, he continued to serve the nation until his passing.
“At his side, was his dear wife Madame Monica Geingos and his children,” read the statement from acting president Mbumba, expressing deep sorrow for the loss.
As the nation mourns, Mbumba urged citizens to remain calm while the government handles necessary state arrangements. The Cabinet is set to convene immediately for this purpose.
Namibia is scheduled to hold presidential and national assembly elections later in the year, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.
