Namibia interim president says no plan to run in this year's election

Namibia's newly appointed president Nangolo Mbumba reacts following the death of Hage Geingob, in Windhoek, Namibia, February 4, 2024. REUTERS/Sharon Kavhu

WINDHOEK (Reuters) - Namibia's Nangolo Mbumba, who took over as interim president of the southern African country on Sunday after Hage Geingob died in office, said he had no plans to run in elections due at the end of the year.

That means Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who replaces Mbumba as vice president and was nominated by the governing South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) just over a year ago to be its candidate, will remain on the ballot.