Namibia’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba was this afternoon sworn-in as the new president and head of state of the country, 15 hours after the death of President Hage Geingob.
Geingob died today in the hospital after a short illness. He was 82.
In his acceptance speech Mbumba, who for a week and half served as the acting President, said that as per the provisions of the Constitution of Namibia he will serve only as the head of state for the remainder of the time of the term of the former head of state.
“I accept with humility the noble assignment bestowed upon me to be the President of the Republic of Namibia,” Mbumba said after he was sworn-in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute.
“I take on this heavy mantle cognizant of the weight of this responsibility, to serve all people of Namibia with utmost dedication and commitment in the service of all citizens of the Namibian house in the land of the brave.
“I undertake to continue building on the excellent foundation established by our Founding Father, His Excellency Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma, as well as the former president His Excellency Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, and our beloved – now late – President Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob. May his soul rest in peace.”
Mbumba added that even during this time of heavy loss the nation remains calm and stable, which “is owing to the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob who was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution and the champion of our governance architecture based on sound processes, systems and institutions that are guiding us today.”
Minister for International Cooperation Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn-in as the new Vice President of Namibia.
In the photo: New President of Namibia Nangolo Mbumba. (Photo by Victor Angula)
