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Commonwealth _ In a poignant turn of events, Namibia finds itself in a period of mourning and transition following the passing of President Hage Geingob at the age of 82. President Geingob, a veteran of Namibia’s struggle for independence, succumbed to illness while receiving medical treatment in Windhoek, the capital. His death was announced by Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, who, within a matter of hours, assumed the presidency and was swiftly sworn in at a ceremony held at the state house. Hage Geingob, who had been diagnosed with cancer, made his battle public just a month before his passing. Despite his health challenges, President Geingob remained a symbol of Namibia’s liberation, having played a crucial role in the country’s fight against apartheid South Africa. His leadership and dedication were acknowledged by Vice-President Mbumba, who described him as a “liberation icon.”
In an unprecedented turn of events, the transition of power in Namibia unfolded at an extraordinary pace, catching the nation by surprise. Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba swiftly addressed the nation, providing reassurance that he would assume the role of president until the scheduled elections later in the year. The entire process, from the announcement of President Hage Geingob’s death to Mbumba’s swearing-in ceremony, transpired within a mere 15 hours, a testament to the urgency and efficiency of the political transition. President Mbumba’s words reflected a profound acknowledgment of the gravity of the responsibility he was undertaking. Expressing a deep awareness of the weight of the presidential mantle, he pledged to carry it with diligence and commitment. His remarks conveyed a sense of respect for the legacy left by President Geingob, emphasizing the crucial role the late leader played in steering the nation and establishing a foundation of stability.
The circumstances surrounding President Geingob’s passing revealed that he had undergone a novel treatment for cancerous cells in the United States before returning home at the end of January. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed. Across Namibian radio waves, citizens shared memories of a visionary leader with a jovial personality, someone who could both lead with strength and share a moment of humor. World leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed condolences and recognized President Geingob’s significant role in Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. Geingob spent 27 years in exile, residing in Botswana, the US, and the UK, where he pursued a Ph.D. in politics.
Upon his return to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country gained independence, Geingob expressed his commitment to building a new Namibia. However, his presidency faced challenges, including economic stagnation, high unemployment, and poverty rates, according to the World Bank. His party, Swapo, also confronted corruption scandals, notably the “fishrot” scandal, where officials were accused of taking bribes related to fishing quotas. President Geingob’s popularity at the ballot box had experienced a decline, with his majority dropping from 87% in 2014 to 56% in 2019. Economic challenges and corruption scandals contributed to public dissatisfaction, with a significant portion of the population expressing concern about the country’s direction. As Namibia navigates this period of transition, the focus now turns to Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, appointed as Vice-President following Mbumba’s inauguration. If she secures victory in the upcoming elections, she will become Namibia’s first female president. Namibia mourns the loss of a liberation hero, Hage Geingob, and embarks on a new chapter with President Nangolo Mbumba at the helm. The challenges and achievements of Geingob’s presidency shape the context of this transition, emphasizing the need for continuity and addressing pressing issues to ensure the nation’s progress and stability.
