Pre-Trip Information

Africa: Namibia

Namibia mourns the death of President Hage Geingob and inaugurates a new interim president 

At the start of February 2024, Namibia was grappling with the loss of President Hage Geingob, an icon of the country's independence struggle, who died at the age of 82 while undergoing medical treatment for cancer. Nangolo Mbumba, the vice-president, was swiftly sworn into office as the new president, just hours after announcing Geingob's death. 

Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia's new president, assured the nation during a hastily arranged swearing-in ceremony that he would serve until the elections could be held later in the year. His statement, "I am not going to be around for the elections, so don't panic," reflected the urgency and responsibility he felt in navigating the political landscape in the aftermath of Geingob's passing.

Mbumba paid a heartfelt tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging Geingob's role as the chief architect of the constitution and highlighting his leadership that kept the nation "calm and stable." Geingob, first sworn in as president in 2015, had a long-standing political career, serving in top positions since Namibia's independence in 1990.

President Geingob's legacy extended beyond political leadership. A towering figure in Namibia's fight against apartheid South Africa, he spent 27 years in exile, studying for a doctorate in politics in the United Kingdom, before returning to Namibia in 1989, a year before independence. Geingob's deep voice and commanding presence made him a respected figure, and his efforts for Namibia's liberation earned him accolades from leaders worldwide, including South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Geingob's presidency faced challenges, with declining popularity reflected in the decrease in his electoral mandate from 87 percent in 2014 to 56 percent  in 2019. The economic challenges of a stagnant economy, high unemployment, and poverty, coupled with corruption scandals like the "fishrot" scandal, contributed to a growing dissatisfaction among the population.

Headed into the presidential elections, all eyes would be on Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah who was named as the new vice president.  She was expected to contest the presidential election and, if elected to power, she would become Namibia's first female president. The transition in 2024 comes at a time when the heroic narrative of the Swapo's liberation struggle may be losing its appeal among the younger generation.