Namibian President Hage Geingob has died at the age of 82, less than three weeks after it was announced he would undergo treatment for cancer.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, acting President Nangolo Mbumba said that Geingob died on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the capital, Windhoek with his wife and his children at his side.
Mbumba said: “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.
“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”.
Geingob’s office announced last month that he had begun treatment following the discovery of “cancerous cells” during a routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
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 2nd February.
Geingob, who also served a 12-year stint 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.
Last year, Geingob announced he had undergone aortic surgery in neighbouring 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 was ineligible to run for reelection as Namibia’s constitution limits the president to a maximum of two terms in office.
The ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation’s presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah would be the country’s first female head of state, if elected.
