Hage Geingob’s formative years began in Otjiwarongo, in what was then known as South West Africa (now Namibia), where he was born on August 3, 1941. His educational journey started under the restrictive Bantu Education System in Otavi, South West Africa. In 1958, he enrolled at the Augustineum Training College, an institution renowned for educating many of Namibia’s future political leaders. However, his time there was marked by activism; in 1960, Geingob was expelled for participating in a protest against the substandard quality of education. Despite this setback, he was readmitted and completed his teacher-training course in 1961. He went on to teach at Tsumeb Primary School in Central Namibia but soon grew disillusioned with the limitations placed on his and his students’ education by the apartheid regime.
Driven by a desire for change and further education, Geingob left his teaching position. Along with three colleagues, he embarked on a journey to Botswana, walking and hitchhiking, to escape the oppressive system. Their initial plan to travel from Botswana to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, aboard an African National Congress (ANC) chartered plane was thwarted when a bomb planted by South Africans destroyed the aircraft. However, fortunately, the bomb detonated prematurely before takeoff. This incident prompted tighter security by the apartheid regime, leading Geingob to remain in Botswana, where he served as an Assistant Representative for the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) from 1963 to 1964.
Geingob’s quest for knowledge took him to the United States in 1964, where he studied on a scholarship at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a BA degree from Fordham University in New York City in 1970 and an MA in International Relations from The New School’s Graduate Faculty in New York in 1974. During this period, Geingob also served as SWAPO’s Representative to the United Nations and the Americas, a role he held until 1971. His efforts during these years contributed significantly to the international recognition of SWAPO as the legitimate representative of the Namibian people. This recognition, alongside the armed struggle that began in 1966, was pivotal in Namibia’s path to independence in 1990.
Geingob’s Journey Into Politics
Geingob’s political career advanced in 1972 when he joined the United Nations Secretariat as a political affairs officer. In 1975, he became the director of the United Nations Institute for Namibia, tasked with training cadres for Namibia’s civil service post-independence and developing policy frameworks for the future government. This institute gained recognition and established partnerships with several European higher education institutions, enhancing its stature and contribution to Namibia’s independence efforts.
In 1989, after a 27-year absence from his homeland, Geingob returned to Namibia to lead SWAPO’s election campaign, a move that culminated in SWAPO’s ascent to power and the drafting of the Namibian Constitution under his chairmanship of the Constituent Assembly. Following independence, Geingob served as Namibia’s first Prime Minister and later held significant political positions, including a hiatus from political office and roles in international organisations focused on African development and governance.
Political Activism and Early Opposition to Apartheid
Geingob’s involvement with the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) was central to his efforts against apartheid. SWAPO was the leading liberation movement in Namibia, fighting for the country’s independence from South African rule. Joining SWAPO in the early 1960s, Geingob quickly became a significant figure, dedicating his life to the liberation cause.
Geingob’s essential contribution to the anti-apartheid movement was raising international awareness and support for Namibia’s independence. As SWAPO’s Representative to the United Nations and the Americas, he travelled extensively, speaking with individuals and addressing gatherings to garner support for the Namibian cause. His efforts were instrumental in the United Nations General Assembly’s recognition of SWAPO as the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people, a crucial step towards gaining international support against apartheid.
A Complex Legacy
Geingob’s legacy as a leader deserves nuanced evaluation. While his diplomatic role in the anti-apartheid struggle was instrumental, his later tenure as President of Namibia faced criticism for various issues. Concerns were raised regarding accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses, particularly towards minority groups. His handling of the genocide reparations for the Nama and Ovaherero communities remained a contentious issue. Additionally, questions arose about his handling of press freedom and political dissent. Following the passing of President Hage Geingob, former Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has since been inaugurated as the nation’s new president.
Context and Critique: The Issue of Aging Leadership in Africa
Despite recent shifts, Africa’s political tapestry remains intricately woven with the thread of ageing leadership. While figures like former Namibian President Hage Geingob continue to spark debates, incorporating recent developments and statistics paints a more complex and nuanced picture.
The August 2023 attempted coup against long-serving President Ali Bongo Ondimba in Gabon is a stark reminder of the simmering discontent associated with extended leadership. However, counterpoints emerged in the recent transitions witnessed in Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, where younger figures like Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa have taken the helm.
This changing landscape underscores the urgency of addressing ageing leadership, particularly considering Africa’s youthful demographics. A staggering 60% of the continent’s population falls under 25, a demographic dividend overflowing with potential. The 2023 Brenthurst Foundation report emphasises this point, highlighting the average age of African leaders at 63.4 compared to the global average of 56.7. Figures like Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea (43 years in power) and Paul Biya of Cameroon (42 years) exemplify the extent of these extended terms, raising concerns about their ability to connect with and address the aspirations of a generation born in a vastly different world.
Beyond political representation, questions about economic consequences naturally arise. While quantifying the issue remains challenging, stark contrasts in growth figures between countries with ageing leadership and those experiencing transitions are evident. Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party, led by the young Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has seen encouraging economic strides, partly attributed to his innovative approach and focus on digitalisation. However, Rwanda presents a contrasting case. While Paul Kagame’s long tenure has brought stability, one wonders if faster technological advancements could have been achieved with a change in leadership. However, his government has been accused of stifling opposing voices. Tunisia, on the other hand, offers a beacon of hope. Following the Arab Spring, a successful democratic transition led by younger figures like Kais Saied demonstrates the potential for positive change and economic revitalisation.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that transitions are only sometimes smooth. Power struggles like those witnessed in Guinea-Bissau and the rise of new authoritarian figures like Mohamed Bazoum in Niger remain possibilities. This is where civil society and youth movements play a critical role. By advocating for democratic reforms, transparency, and free and fair elections, they act as catalysts for positive change. The #FixTheSystem movement in Nigeria and the Y’en a Marre movement in Senegal stand as inspiring examples of such citizen-led initiatives.
The debate surrounding term limits deserves exploration. While proponents hail their ability to prevent stagnation and encourage fresh perspectives, opponents highlight the potential disruption to continuity and institutional memory. Finding the right balance is critical. Additionally, enhancing democratic institutions that ensure peaceful transitions and uphold the rule of law is crucial.
The issue of ageing leadership in Africa necessitates a nuanced and dynamic approach. Although recent transitions offer a glimmer of hope, sustained efforts are crucial. Promoting solid democratic institutions, encouraging youth participation through initiatives like Rwanda’s YouthConnekt program, and ensuring leaders reflect the aspirations of Africa’s vibrant young population are critical steps towards a brighter future for the continent.
While the experience and wisdom of older leaders can be invaluable, the perpetuation of ageing leadership in Africa poses significant challenges to innovation, development, and democratic governance. A deliberate shift towards empowering younger leaders, coupled with measures to ensure good governance and accountability, is essential for the continent’s future. African countries can harness the potential of their youthful populations, foster economic growth, and build more inclusive societies if they embrace generational change. The transition to a new generation of leadership should be seen not as a loss but as an opportunity to infuse African politics with new energy and perspectives.