Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Peter Katjavivi
Published on 2024-02-27 15:00:00
Hage Geingob, the third president of the Republic of Namibia, came into power after winning the presidential vote by 87% in the sixth national democratic elections in 2014. He was sworn into office on 21 March 2015. Geingob was re-elected to a second term during the seventh National Assembly and presidential elections in 2019. He is also the third president of the ruling party, Swapo, winning the position at the sixth Swapo Party Ordinary Congress in November 2017 and being re-elected at the seventh ordinary congress in 2022.
During his tenure from 2015 to 2024, Geingob faced various challenges, including economic downturns, severe droughts, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, he provided steady leadership for Namibia. Born on 3 August 1941 in Grootfontein, Geingob’s political journey began during his schooling years. He led a strike against unfair treatment of students and later joined Swapo in 1962.
In pursuit of Namibia’s independence, Geingob left the country in 1962 for exile in Botswana and later moved to the United States. He played a crucial role as Swapo’s representative to the Americas and the United Nations. Geingob obtained degrees in political science and international relations, eventually earning a doctorate in philosophy with a focus on promoting democracy and good governance in Namibia.
Geingob received numerous international awards for his exceptional leadership, including the Order of José Martà from the government of Cuba. He played a vital role in the transition to independence for Namibia, serving as director at the UN Institute for Namibia and later leading a group of senior leaders back to the country after the UN supervised elections in 1989.
Geingob was instrumental in drafting the Constitution of Namibia and served as the first prime minister upon independence in 1990. He later returned to active politics in 2005, holding various positions within Swapo before being elected as president in 2014.
Throughout his political career, Geingob advocated for inclusivity and unity among Namibians. He initiated programs to promote development and prosperity, such as the Harambee Prosperity Plan. He also championed green hydrogen as a strategic resource for Africa’s industrial development and fought against corruption.
Sadly, Geingob’s life was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. He passed away on 4 February 2024, leaving behind his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. His legacy of leadership and dedication to the people of Namibia will always be remembered.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, delivered this abridged biography at the memorial service for President Hage Geingob, honoring his contributions to the nation. May he rest in eternal peace.
Read the original article on The Namibian
