Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-02-04 09:16:57
Namibia’s President Hage Geingob passed away at the age of 82, after being diagnosed with cancer. He had been leading the southern African country since 2015 and had previously survived prostate cancer. His passing leaves a significant void in Namibian leadership, and Vice President Nangolo Mbumba will assume the role until presidential and parliamentary elections later in the year. Namibia is known for its mining industry, with substantial deposits of diamonds and lithium, a key ingredient in electric car batteries.
The cause of Geingob’s death was not immediately disclosed, but it was revealed that he had traveled to the United States for a novel treatment after being diagnosed with cancerous cells following a routine check-up. Born in 1941, Geingob was a notable figure in Namibian politics even before the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990. He played a crucial role in drafting Namibia’s constitution and went on to become the first prime minister after independence.
Geingob was a longstanding member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and held various positions within the party, including vice president. SWAPO has been the dominant political force in Namibia since independence, but the country still faces significant socioeconomic disparities. In a speech, Geingob emphasized the need to break the chains of historical injustices and work towards shared prosperity for all Namibians.
Throughout his political career, Geingob held key ministerial positions and was re-elected as prime minister in 2012 before winning the presidential election in 2014. Despite his landslide victory, his leadership faced challenges, including a bribery scandal involving government officials and the resignation of two ministers. Furthermore, he acknowledged that wealth in Namibia remained disproportionately concentrated in the hands of the white minority, calling attention to the country’s unresolved racial divide.
Geingob’s passing raises questions about the future direction of Namibia, particularly regarding efforts to address historical injustices and promote equitable economic development. His comments on the need for a strategic approach to wealth distribution, in light of the racial divide, underscore the complex challenges facing the country. His stance on a failed policy that aimed to transfer ownership stakes from white-owned businesses to Black Namibians also reflects the ongoing struggles to achieve economic empowerment and equality.
President Geingob received treatment at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he was under the care of his medical team. His legacy as a political leader and his contributions to Namibia’s development will be remembered as the country navigates the post-Geingob era. The upcoming elections will be a critical juncture for Namibian politics, as the nation seeks to honor Geingob’s vision for a more just and prosperous society.
Read Original article on The Observer
