Namibia’s President Hage Geingob has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo medical treatment, but he has assured the nation that he will continue to perform his duties as head of state.
The 82-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2015, announced on Friday in a statement from his office. He said he had a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy on Jan. 8, which were followed by a biopsy that detected cancerous cells.
“On the advice of the medical team, President Geingob will undertake appropriate medical treatment to deal with the cancerous cells,” the statement said, without giving further details about his condition or the type of treatment he will receive.
Geingob is not the first African leader to face a health challenge while in office. In recent years, several presidents have died or resigned due to illness, raising questions about the transparency and succession plans of their governments.
A History of Surviving Cancer
This is not the first time that Geingob has battled cancer. In 2014, when he was the prime minister, he publicly disclosed that he had survived prostate cancer. He became president the following year after winning the general election with 87% of the vote.
He won a second term in 2019, but with a reduced majority of 56%, amid a severe economic crisis and growing discontent over corruption and inequality in the southern African nation.
Namibia, a former German colony and later a South African protectorate, gained its independence in 1990 after a long liberation struggle. It is one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds and uranium, but also one of the most unequal countries, with high rates of poverty and unemployment.
A Promising Future for Namibia
Despite the challenges, Geingob has expressed optimism about the future of Namibia, which is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections at the end of 2024. He has pledged to fight corruption, improve governance, and promote social justice and economic development.
The public has praised him for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 1,000 lives in the country of 2.5 million people. Geingob has imposed strict lockdowns, ramped up testing and vaccination, and secured financial and medical aid from international partners.
Geingob has also been a vocal advocate for Africa’s interests on the global stage, calling for debt relief, fair trade, and climate action. He has also championed the cause of regional integration and peace, especially in neighboring countries such as Angola, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
As he prepares to undergo cancer treatment, Geingob has received messages of support and solidarity from his fellow citizens, political allies, and foreign leaders. He has also thanked the Namibian public for their prayers and well wishes and urged them to remain united and hopeful.
“I am confident that with your support and the grace of God, we shall overcome this challenge,” he said.
Source: Reuters
