Namibia’s President Hage Geingob, a revered figure in the country’s liberation struggle and its first post-independence prime minister, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. African leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, mourned his death and acknowledged his pivotal role in the fight against apartheid. Geingob was serving his second term as president and had been receiving treatment for cancer. His successor, Nangolo Mbumba, was inaugurated along with the new Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and the pair will lead until elections at the end of the year.
Geingob’s passing elicited tributes from around the globe, including Pakistan and several African leaders who praised his leadership and commitment to a unified Africa. The World Health Organization director commended his efforts to improve healthcare in Namibia and his work as a visionary leader. Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his fond remembrance of Geingob.
Geingob had a long history of advocating for the rights of the Namibian people and was known for his outspoken criticism of Germany, Namibia’s former colonial ruler. Germany recognized committing genocide in Namibia in 2021 after more than five years of negotiations. The German Chancellor expressed gratitude for Geingob’s role in addressing Germany’s colonial history and mourned the loss of a dedicated partner.
Born in a village in northern Namibia, Geingob was the first president of Namibia from outside the Ovambo people, who make up the majority of the population. He began his activism against apartheid at a young age and spent almost three decades in exile, returning to Namibia in 1989 to lead SWAPO’s election campaign. Geingob’s legacy as a leader and freedom fighter will endure, leaving an indelible mark on Namibia and the global community.