President Ramkalawan Sends Condolences After Death of Namibian President Geingob
VICTORIA, Seychelles — President Wavel Ramkalawan has sent a message of condolence to Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Acting President of Namibia, following the passing of President Hage Geingob. President Geingob, 82, died while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the capital, Windhoek. He had been diagnosed with cancer. The death was confirmed by the Namibian presidency over the weekend, and has prompted tributes from leaders across the African continent, including from Seychelles. The message of condolence is one of the first public acts of the new year in the country’s foreign policy.
In his message, President Ramkalawan stated that it was with profound sadness that he learned of the passing of President Hage Geingob. On behalf of the government and people of Seychelles, as well as on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to you, to the government and to the people of the Republic of Namibia, and to the family of President Hage Geingob, wrote the President. He added that the news of the death had deeply saddened the country, and that Seychelles recognised the significant contributions of the late Namibian leader to the development and progress of his country and of the African continent as a whole.
President Ramkalawan further noted that President Geingob’s leadership, dedication, and vision have left an indelible mark on the history of Namibia and the African continent as a whole. His dedication to the betterment of Namibia will forever be remembered, and his loss is mourned not only by the Namibian people but by all who knew of his steadfast commitment to the welfare and progress of his country and the African continent. The framing of the message, in effect, places the late Namibian president in the long line of African leaders who have shaped the post-independence trajectory of the continent.
President Ramkalawan also said that as fellow members of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), Seychelles stands in solidarity with Namibia during this difficult time. May you find solace and strength in the cherished memories of the remarkable life and accomplishments of President Hage Geingob, and in the knowledge that his legacy will endure through the positive impact he made on his country and its people, the message added. Mr Geingob first became President in 2018, and had been in office until his death.
Acting President Dr Nangolo Mbumba will be in office until the election which is due later this year. The transition in Windhoek is being watched closely across the Sadc region, and Seychelles has indicated that it looks forward to working with the new leadership in due course. The Department of Foreign Affairs is expected to issue a fuller statement on the bilateral relationship in the coming days, including on the planned dates for a state visit or for high-level meetings on the margins of upcoming Sadc and African Union summits.
