Geoffrey Mwilima, a prominent figure in Namibia's political landscape and a convicted treasonist associated with the Caprivi secessionist movement, has died at the age of 70. His passing was confirmed by his lawyer, Profysen Muluti, and comes just a month after Mwilima was released from prison where he had been serving a sentence for his role in armed attacks linked to the secessionist bid in the Caprivi region. His death raises questions about the lasting impacts of Namibia's turbulent past regarding the autonomy of the Caprivi region.

Mwilima was arrested in August 1999, following armed assaults that sought to detach the Caprivi region from Namibia, resulting in legal battles that spanned over a decade. Accused of treason, he was initially sentenced to 15 years in 2015, a sentence he started to serve after a lengthy period of legal challenges. His release in December, on remission, allowed him to return to society only to succumb shortly after, which highlights the controversial legacy of Caprivi's separatist aspirations and its societal divisions.

The implications of Mwilima's death extend beyond his individual narrative, as it symbolizes the ongoing struggle and memories of the Caprivi region's secessionist history. With Mwilima having been a controversial figure, his passing may revive discussions about Namibia's national unity and the historical grievances stemming from ethnic conflict in the area. It serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics within Namibia's multi-ethnic society and the continuing need to reconcile the scars from its past.