Maldives to fly flag at half-mast following Namibia leader’s death

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a directive to fly the national flag at half-mast in mourning for Namibia’s late President Hage Geingob.

Geingob died at the age of 82, less than three weeks after it was announced he would undergo treatment for cancer.

In a statement posted on Geingob’s official Facebook page, Acting President Nangolo Mbumba said that he died on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the capital Windhoek with his wife and his children at his side.

The Maldives’ President’s Office said in a statement on Monday that President Muizzu issued a directive on Monday, declaring that the national flag would be flown at half-mast for two days, from Tuesday to Wednesday, in mourning for Namibia's late leader.

Earlier on Monday, President Muizzu sent a message of condolences to Acting President Mbumba, in which he said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Geingob.

He extended his sincere condolences to the people, the government of Namibia, and the bereaved family Geingob, on behalf of himself, the government, and the people of the Maldives.

In his message, he also noted the late Namibian leader’s commitment to advancing democratic principles, governance, and economic development in Namibia.

He further asserted that future generations will undoubtedly remember his legacy.

Geingob, who also served a 12-year stint as prime minister, had a history of health problems that preceded his election as Namibia’s third president in 2014.

In 2013, the anti-apartheid activist-turned-politician underwent brain surgery, and the following year he revealed that he had survived prostate cancer.

Last year, Geingob announced he had undergone aortic surgery in neighboring South Africa.

Namibia, a former German colony that gained independence from South Africa in 1990, is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in November.

Maldives and Namibia established diplomatic relations on July 26, 1990.