Last week, the presidency said Mr Geingob would start treatment for cancer after routine medical check-ups and a follow-up biopsy led to the detection of cancerous cells.

It did not give more details on his diagnosis but said he would continue to carry out his duties.

In a statement on Tuesday, Swapo deputy leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the president would continue to conduct the business of the party and government "while giving the necessary priority to his medical treatment", state media reported.

Ms Ndaitwah also appealed to Namibians to allow the 82-year-old leader and his family to focus on his recovery without speculation.

Namibia is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections later this year.

Mr Geingob, who has been president of the southern African nation since 2015, is due to finish his second and final term in office.

In 2014, he said he had survived prostate cancer.