Niël Terblanché
In an outpouring of grief and respect, leaders from around the world have paid homage to the late President Hage Geingob of Namibia, who passed away, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, freedom struggle, and a vision for Africa’s unity and prosperity.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, reflecting the sentiments of a continent in mourning, hailed President Geingob as an “outstanding leader, patriot, and friend of South Africa,” lauding his pivotal role in Namibia’s liberation and the solidarity extended to South Africa’s own struggle for freedom.
Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Namibia, where both leaders pledged closer ties between their nations, underscored a mutual vision for enhanced partnership and prosperity for their citizens.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema expressed his sorrow on social media, recognizing Geingob as a “true friend, a liberation icon, a distinguished diplomat, a senior African statesman, and an elder brother.”
Hichilema’s message stressed the deep personal and political connections that Geingob formed with his peers across the continent.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu mourned Geingob as a “brother, a venerable Pan Africanist and a great friend of Tanzania,” sending condolences to the people of Namibia and highlighting Geingob’s role as a beacon of pan-Africanism and his contribution to the continent’s struggle for independence and dignity.
Kenyan President William Ruto praised Geingob as a visionary leader who believed in a unified Africa and worked tirelessly to enhance the continent’s voice on the global stage.
Similarly, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Geingob’s efforts to improve healthcare in Namibia, calling him a “visionary leader”.
Amason Kingi, Speaker of the Kenyan Senate, and Moses Wetang’ula, his National Assembly counterpart, along with other African leaders and Kenyan politicians such as Raila Odinga and Yusuf Hassan, shared their condolences and memories of Geingob’s leadership and his impact not only on Namibia but on Africa as a whole.
President Geingob’s legacy, marked by his unwavering dedication to Namibia’s independence, his efforts towards national reconciliation, and his advocacy for Africa’s place in the world, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
All of the leaders said that the passing of President Geingob has not only left a void in Namibia but has also resonated across borders, uniting leaders and people in grief and remembrance of a man who stood firm for his country’s sovereignty and for the dignity of the African continent.
