IPPR: Geingob leaves a trail of democracy
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is deeply saddened at the passing of Namibia’s third president, HE Dr Hage Geingob. His contribution to the liberation of Namibia and the development of the nation is incalculable.
Dr Geingob has been an extraordinary presence in Namibia’s national life since 1989, when he became the chairperson of the Constituent Assembly. The consensus on the progressive Namibian constitution was accomplished in record-breaking time in great part due to his role in achieving a negotiated agreement in a respectful, conciliatory and pragmatic manner.
This collaborative approach started the course of reconciliation and healing of a divided nation that had emerged from a bitter independence struggle. It set the tone for the path of acceptance, tolerance and accommodation needed for all Namibians to shape a new sense of identity as free and equal citizens of a fully independent and democratic country.
As chairperson of Namibia's Constituent Assembly, the country's first prime minister and its third president, he was a determining factor in Namibia’s emergence as a human rights-based modern democracy. We simply would not be the nation we are without his hugely positive influence. He leaves Namibia as an open democracy where there is freedom of expression and where civil society activists can operate without hindrance. This is a tremendous legacy. We will always be thankful.
The IPPR sends its profound condolences to the former First Lady, the family, his comrades and colleagues, and the nation as a whole.
Monica Koep
IPPR Chairperson
Issued on behalf of the IPPR Board
Dr Geingob has been an extraordinary presence in Namibia’s national life since 1989, when he became the chairperson of the Constituent Assembly. The consensus on the progressive Namibian constitution was accomplished in record-breaking time in great part due to his role in achieving a negotiated agreement in a respectful, conciliatory and pragmatic manner.
This collaborative approach started the course of reconciliation and healing of a divided nation that had emerged from a bitter independence struggle. It set the tone for the path of acceptance, tolerance and accommodation needed for all Namibians to shape a new sense of identity as free and equal citizens of a fully independent and democratic country.
As chairperson of Namibia's Constituent Assembly, the country's first prime minister and its third president, he was a determining factor in Namibia’s emergence as a human rights-based modern democracy. We simply would not be the nation we are without his hugely positive influence. He leaves Namibia as an open democracy where there is freedom of expression and where civil society activists can operate without hindrance. This is a tremendous legacy. We will always be thankful.
The IPPR sends its profound condolences to the former First Lady, the family, his comrades and colleagues, and the nation as a whole.
Monica Koep
IPPR Chairperson
Issued on behalf of the IPPR Board
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