Windhoek, February 4 (RHC) --The President of the Republic of Namibia, Hage Geingob, died today at 00:04 hours at the Lady Pohamba Hospital in this capital, where he was receiving medical treatment, an official statement announced here.

"It is with great sadness and regret that I inform you that our beloved Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, passed away today, Sunday, 4 February 2024, at around 00:04 hours at the Lady Pohamba Hospital, where he was receiving medical treatment.  At his side were his beloved wife, Mrs. Monica Geingos, and his children," the text said.

His medical team did everything possible to ensure his recovery, but unfortunately it was not possible, despite the energetic effort to save his life, added the interim president, Nangolo Mbumba, in a message to the nation.

Namibia "has lost a distinguished servant of the people, an icon of the liberation struggle, the chief architect of our constitution," he stressed.

He said that, at this time of deep sorrow, he was "appealing to the nation to remain calm and serene as the government deals with all the necessary arrangements, preparations and other state protocols."

Expressing condolences to the relatives of the late Namibian leader, Mbumba said Cabinet will meet with immediate effect to make the necessary state arrangements in this regard.

Hage Gottfried Geingob, was born in Grootfontein, on August 3, 1941.  He was 82 years old at the time of his death.