The year 2024 marked the passing of several prominent political leaders who shaped their nations and left lasting legacies. Below is a list of notable figures who passed away during the year, along with their significant contributions and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
1. Hage Geingob
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| Dr. Hage Geingob |
Hage Gottfried Geingob was a Namibian politician who served as the third president of Namibia from 2015 until his death in 4 February 2024, less than three weeks after it was announced he would undergo treatment for cancer. Geingob was the first prime minister of Namibia from 1990 to 2002, and served again from 2012 to 2015. Between 2008 and 2012 Geingob served as Minister of Trade and Industry.
2. Ebrahim Raisi
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| Ebrahim Raisi |
Ebrahim Raisi, the eighth president of Iran, served from 2021 until his untimely death in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, at the age of 63. A Muslim jurist and a prominent member of the Principlist group, Raisi was known for his judicial and political roles in Iran.
3. Nguyễn Phú Trọng
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| Nguyễn Phú Trọng |
Nguyễn Phú Trọng was a Vietnamese politician and communist theorist who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 2011 until his death on July 19, 2024, at the age of 80. He passed away in Hanoi after a prolonged illness. Trọng was widely regarded as Vietnam's paramount leader, holding significant influence over the country’s policies and military affairs.
4. Ismail Haniyeh
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| Ismail Haniyeh |
Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas and a significant figure in Palestinian politics, was assassinated in Tehran by a missile strike in 2024. Haniyeh, aged 62, had led Hamas since 2007 and was a controversial figure internationally.
5. Brian Mulroney
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| Martin Brian Mulroney |
Martin Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada, passed away on February 29, 2024, at the age of 84. Mulroney, known for his leadership from 1984 to 1993, played a pivotal role in Canadian politics and was recovering from prostate cancer at the time of his passing.
6. Salim Al-Huss
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| Salim Ahmad al-Huss in the middle |
Salim Ahmad al-Huss, former Prime Minister of Lebanon and a longtime Member of Parliament, passed away on August 25, 2024, at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness. Known for his technocratic approach, he was a respected leader in Lebanese politics.
7. Sebastián Piñera
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| Sebastián Piñera |
Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died on February 6, 2024, at the age of 74 in a helicopter accident during a vacation in Lago Ranco. Piñera, a billionaire businessman and politician, served as Chile’s president during two non-consecutive terms (2010-2014 and 2018-2022).
8. Alberto Fujimori
Alberto Fujimori, the 54th President of Peru, passed away on September 11, 2024, at the age of 86. He succumbed to cancer nine months after his release from prison, where he had served time for human rights abuses. Fujimori was a controversial figure in Peruvian history, credited with economic reforms but criticized for authoritarian practices.
9. Alex Salmond
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| Alex Salmond |
Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland and a prominent figure in the Scottish nationalist movement, passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 69. He died of a heart attack while attending a conference in North Macedonia.
10. Dési Bouterse
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| Dési Bouterse |
Dési Bouterse, former President of Suriname, died on December 24, 2024, at the age of 79. Bouterse, a controversial figure due to his military and political career, passed away while on the run following his conviction for crimes committed during his leadership.
Conclusion
The world bid farewell to these leaders in 2024, each of whom left a distinct imprint on their countries and global politics. Their contributions, achievements, and controversies will continue to shape discussions about their legacies in the years to come.
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