Geingob maintained close ties with the US and other Western countries but also forged a warm relationship with China. He had been receiving treatment for cancer.
Namibia’s president and founding prime minister Hage Geingob died on Sunday at age 82 while receiving treatment for cancer, and the southern African nation quickly swore in his deputy to complete the term in office.
He had been president since 2015 and was set to finish his second and final term this year. His deputy, Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, was sworn in as acting president in the capital, Windhoek, to complete the term as allowed by the constitution.
Elections are set for November. A government statement said Mbumba will lead Namibia until March 21 of next year, when the winner takes office.
