The untimely passing of president Hage Geingob last Sunday was the biggest test to the country’s democracy and to the unity of society as a whole, but Namibians from all walks of life once again chose calmness and love for their motherland above all. 

Geingob’s passing was a historic first for a sitting president in Namibia, and was to date the toughest challenge to the country’s almost 34-year-old democracy. 

These were the observations of veteran politician and diplomat Dr Kaire Mbuende, who said the
death of a sitting president in most countries, especially here in Africa, would have triggered a coup, political unrest or possibly a bloody civil war. 

Mbuende, a renowned diplomat and respected Swapo stalwart, said “Namibians have proven that our democracy has come of age, and that we are a rules-based society. Beyond all, through the smooth transition of power to President Nangolo Mbumba following the sad passing of our dearest president Hage Geingob, we have demonstrated as
a country that our democracy not only has the capacity to conduct peaceful elections, but has matured to a point where we can unite as one nation and one people during this very difficult moment. We must all be proud of ourselves as Namibians”. 

“In other countries, the death of a sitting president would have been a perfect opportunity for some rogue personalities to pursue their hidden agendas and destabilise the country. But in our case, our tried and tested democracy has prevailed. As our beloved departed president Geingob would always emphasise: systems, processes and institutions should be the guiding instruments in all that we do, and our systems, processes and institutions have proven to be well intact.”

The veteran diplomat added that the smooth transition of power should serve as an example how Africa and other continents should begin to move away from blood-spattered coups and instability. 

No time for politics 

Meanwhile, official opposition Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Maximalliant Katjimune said now was not the time for politicians to play cheap politics, but a time to unite and consolidate the country’s hard-earned democracy. 

“For a young democracy such as ours, Namibians must be proud of themselves and the manner in which they have conducted themselves during this very difficult period.
Our late president was a firm believer in democratic values and systems, and the peaceful transfer of power.  Wherever he went on the continent and beyond, his message around those values and systems remained the same. As a founding member of our world-acclaimed constitution, he [Geingob] left behind strong democratic values and systems that today made it easy for us as a country, and now the whole world gets to see our thriving democracy on full display,” added Katjimune.

No threats 

Namibian Police chief Joseph Shikongo has stated that there have not been any security threats since Geingob’s passing and the subsequent swearing-in of Mbumba as the country’s fourth president. 

He added that Namibia is not at risk of security threats, as the country is known for its democratic system. 

“I don’t think any Namibian is thinking of a change of government by unconstitutional means. As inspector general, I am in constant communication with my colleagues, the chief of defence, the commissioner general of the Namibian Correctional Service, and the director of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service. As of now, there’s no need for panic,” he added assuredly. Other countries, he said, are commending Namibia for not allowing a leadership vacuum, and that in some countries, people would be fighting, resulting in impairment in the security sector. “The beefing up of security is automatic as the current president is entitled to security, as well as the vice president. Our visiting dignitaries have nothing to worry about. We are ready to serve them, and we are monitoring every situation,” he emphasised.

Shikongo went on to reveal that he was also appointed to serve on the preparatory committee for the funeral arrangements, chaired by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and gave his word that the police are prepared to receive and protect international dignitaries travelling to Namibia for the funeral. 

A directive to senior executives in the police force, including regional commanders, to not apply for leave until after Geingob’s funeral, has also been issued.

*Additional reporting by Nampa

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na