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TRIBUTE

Tributes have poured in from around the world for Namibia’s President Hage Geingob after his death was announced early on Sunday. 

Geingob, who was aged 82, died while receiving medical treatment for cancer at a hospital in the Namibian capital, Windhoek. 

Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), William Ruto (Kenya), and Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) were among the world leaders who took to X, formerly Twitter, to mourn Geingob’s death. 

Ramaphosa said the deceased was a patriot and a friend of South Africa. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections. I am deeply saddened at this time as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos, and the Cabinet on a working visit to Namibia,” he said. 

Ramaphosa recalled that during the visit, he and the late committed their two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by his (Geingob) passionate conviction about their shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River. 

“President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today. We are, therefore, filled with appreciation and sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation. May his soul rest in peace,” he prayed.

Ruto also extended his deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and the people of Namibia following the death of Geingob.

He noted that 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,” Ruto prayed.

Suluhu said she was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Geingob, whom she referred to as a dear brother, a venerable Pan-Africanist, and a great friend of Tanzania.

“On behalf of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I send my condolences to the people of the Republic of Namibia, the Acting President, His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Madam First Lady, Her Excellency Monica Kalondo, family, friends and comrades in SWAPO,” she wrote.

“May you all be comforted during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. Amen,” she prayed.

Geingob’s death was announced by Vice President Nangolo Mbumba.

Mbumba, who is acting as president as there was less than a year left of Geingob’s second term in office, said Namibia has lost a distinguished servant of the people.

Presidential and parliamentary elections in Namibia had already been scheduled for November this year.