Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AFP
Published on 2024-02-04 05:12:36
Hage Geingob, a prominent leader in Namibian history, passed away at the age of 82 in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, after a battle with cancer. He was the country’s longest-serving prime minister and third president. Geingob was born in a village in northern Namibia in 1941 and was the first president outside of the Ovambo ethnic group, which comprises more than half of the country’s population.
Geingob’s activism against South Africa’s apartheid regime began during his early schooling years, leading to his exile. He spent nearly 30 years in Botswana and the United States, where he continued advocating for Namibia’s independence. He harnessed his strong voice as a vocal advocate for the local liberation movement, SWAPO, across the United Nations and the Americas. His deep engagement in governance issues eventually led him back to Namibia in 1989, just one year before the country gained independence.
SWAPO’s victory in the first election in 1990 resulted in Geingob’s appointment as prime minister, a position he held for 12 years before returning to it in 2012. In 2014, when SWAPO won by a large margin, he became president. Throughout his political career, Geingob faced both support and criticism. His first term as president was marked by a recession, high unemployment, and corruption allegations, particularly the “fish rot” scandal involving government officials and a foreign fishing company.
Despite these challenges, Geingob secured re-election in 2019 with 56 percent of the popular vote, though it was significantly lower than his previous 87 percent. His health also became a concern in his later years, as he underwent brain surgery in 2013 and heart valve surgery in South Africa in June 2023.
Beyond his political life, Geingob had a deep love for football and was an avid player, earning the nickname “Danger Point.” He was married three times and had multiple children, with his last spouse, Monica Geingos, being a lawyer and businesswoman.
Overall, Hage Geingob will be remembered as a figure who led Namibia through a significant period of transition, from fighting for independence to navigating the challenges of governance. His impact on Namibia’s history and political landscape is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
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