WINDHOEK: Former Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has been sworn in as the fourth President of the Republic of Namibia, following the sudden death of President Hage Geingob early on Sunday.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been appointed as Vice President.
Mbumba said he will only serve Namibia for a short period of time, until the elections.
He made the announcement during his swearing-in as the new and fourth President of the Republic of Namibia, following the passing on of President Hage Geingob.
Geingob, 82, died in hospital in Windhoek at 00h04 on Sunday.
Namibians are heading into National and Presidential elections towards the end of this year, and President Geingob’s term was to end 21 March 2025.
‘Thank you for the honour bestowed on me for a short period of time until the elections are held. Don’t panic, I will be serving you for the remainder of Dr Geingob’s term. I am not going to be around for elections,’ he said.
Mbumba was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute at State House. The ceremony was a
ttended by Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi and former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, among others.
‘I accept with humility, the noble assignment bestowed upon me, that of appointment as the President of Namibia,’ he said in a sombre mood.
‘It is poignant and reassuring to note that today, even in this time of loss, our nation remains calm and stable,’ Mbumba said, adding that this is owing to the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob who was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution and the champion of the governance architecture, based on sound processes, systems and institutions that guide the country today.
Mbumba urged all Namibians to remain united and to keep the bereaved family in their prayers during the period of mourning.
With Mbumba assuming the Office of the President, a vacancy was created in the Office of the Vice President.
He has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Vice President with immediate effect.
Nan
di-Ndaitwah was also sworn in by Chief Justice Shivute.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency