“Hage Geingob: Namibia mourns the loss of a visionary and committed president”

Namibia is in mourning following the death of its beloved President, Hage Geingob, at the age of 82. As a respected leader, Geingob played a central role in the country’s democratic stability, having lived in exile in Botswana and the United States as an anti-apartheid activist.

At a candlelight vigil in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, many citizens paid tribute to their late president. Sidney Boois, one of the participants, said he shed tears upon hearing the news and stressed the importance of the personal relationship between Geingob and the Namibian people. Geingob was known for his ability to connect with citizens and understand the concerns of the nation.

Beyond Namibia, tributes have poured in from around the world to salute Geingob’s career. Despite his low-key personality, he was a strong advocate of the African agenda in world affairs. It maintained close relations with the United States and other Western countries, while developing warm ties with China and other major powers. His strong voice has also been raised on national and international issues, such as when he criticized Germany for its support of Israel after South Africa filed a complaint against Israel for genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Geingob also played a crucial role in recognizing the genocide that took place in Namibia between 1904 and 1908, when thousands of people were killed by colonial forces. In 2021, Germany finally acknowledged its responsibility and pledged more than $1 billion for infrastructure projects in the country.

Following Geingob’s death, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as interim president to complete his second and final term. Presidential elections will take place in November, when the new president-elect will take office.

Namibia will remember Hage Geingob as a visionary and committed leader, whose legacy will live on in the country’s history. His respectful leadership and ability to bring the nation together made an impact and helped make Namibia one of the most stable democracies in Africa.