President diagnosed with cancer, vows to remain in power
The President of Namibia Dr. Hage Geingob, has been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a medical examination of his colon and upper digestive tract, as announced by his office on Friday.
In a statement released by the Presidency of the Republic of Namibia, it was confirmed that President Geingob will undergo treatment while continuing to fulfil his official responsibilities.
President Geingob’s History of Openness
The cancerous cells were discovered during a colonoscopy and gastroscopy conducted on January 8, 2024, according to the President’s office. The statement emphasized that the disclosure was made in the interest of transparency and accountability.
This isn’t the first time President Geingob has discussed his health publicly. Upon assuming office, he openly shared information about his health, which was confirmed by his medical team to be in good condition. In June 2023, the President underwent an aortic operation, which was also communicated to the Namibian public.
President Geingob Diagnosed With Cancer: Full Statement
The full statement regarding President Geingob’s cancer diagnosis is presented below:
The Head of State of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob has premised public office and effective governance on processes, systems and institutions that are geared towards transparency and accountability, including on matters pertaining to his health status. In that vein, out of conviction that transparency plus accountability equals trust, President Geingob has on several occasions communicated about his health openly with the Namibian public.
In 2015, upon assuming the highest office in the land, The Presidency, President Geingob availed information concerning his health status, which was certified by his medical team as a clean bill of health. In June 2023, President Geingob underwent an aortic operation, which the President communicated accordingly to the Namibian public.
As part of regular annual medical examinations, the Presidency informed the Namibian public that the Head of State was due for a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy on 8 January 2024, which were followed up with a biopsy, of which the results revealed cancerous cells. On the advice of the medical team, President Geingob will undertake appropriate medical treatment to deal with the cancerous cells.
With Presidential and National Assembly elections programmed for the end of the year 2024, The Presidency wishes to inform the Namibian public that President Geingob will continue to carry out presidential duties, alongside the Cabinet, of which he is the Chairperson.
