The President of Namimbia, Hage Geingob has died at the age of 82, his office has said.
This comes Less than three weeks after it was announced he would undergo treatment for cancer.
Acting President Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement that Hage died on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the capital Windhoek with his wife and his children.
“The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution and the pillar of the Namibian house,” Mbumba said.
“At this moment of deepest sorrow, I appeal to the nation to remain calm and collected while the Government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations and other protocols. Further announcements in this regard will be made.” he added.
Geingob’s office had last month announced that he had begun treatment following the discovery of “cancerous cells” during a routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
However, the announcement did not provide details of the African leader’s diagnosis or prognosis but said he would continue to carry out his presidential duties.
Geingob’s office later announced that he would travel to the United States for medical care and would return to Namibia on February 2.
Geingob, who also served for 12 years as prime minister, had a history of health problems that preceded his election as Namibia’s third president in 2014.
In 2013, the anti-apartheid activist-turned-politician underwent brain surgery, and the following year he revealed that he had survived prostate cancer.
Also, Last year, Geingob announced he had undergone aortic surgery in South Africa.
Namibia, a former German colony that gained independence from South Africa in 1990, is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in November.
Geingob would however be ineligible to run for reelection as Namibia’s constitution limits the president to a maximum of two terms in office.
The ruling SWAPO Party’s presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah, if elected would be the country’s first female head of state.
Kenya’s president William Ruto has mourned the death of the African leader, describing him as ‘a believer of a unified Africa’.
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and the people of Namibia following the death of President Hage Geingob.
President Geingob was a distinguished leader who served the people of Namibia with focus and dedication.
He was a believer of a unified Africa and strongly promoted the continent’s voice and visibility at the global arena.
May God give the people of Namibia strength and courage during this difficult period.
Rest In Peace,” Ruto shared on His Facebook page.
