Namibia’s founding father, Sam Nujoma, passes away at 95, leaving behind a legacy of national reconciliation and liberation.
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s First President, Passes Away at 95
The death of Sam Nujoma, the first president of independent Namibia, has been announced by the country’s current leader. He was 95 years old.
Nujoma played a pivotal role in the fight for independence from South Africa, which he helped bring about in 1990 as the co-founder of the liberation movement Swapo (South West Peoples’ Organisation). After independence, he became president and led the country until his retirement in 2005. Despite stepping down as head of state, Nujoma continued to lead the ruling party before eventually stepping down as its president in 2007.
Nujoma’s legacy is marked by his commitment to national reconciliation, which encouraged the white community to remain in Namibia and play a significant role in the country’s economy. He also championed the rights of women and children, introducing policies that ensured fathers took responsibility for the maintenance of their children born out of wedlock.
Sam Nujoma was a Namibian politician and anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of Namibia from 1990 to 2005.
Sam Nujoma was born on May 12, 1929, in Ovamboland (now northern Namibia), he led the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) in the fight for independence against South African rule.
Nujoma played a key role in negotiations leading to Namibia's independence and served as president until his retirement in 2005.
A Life Dedicated to Liberation and Nation-Building
Nujoma’s dedication to the liberation of Namibia and its people is widely acknowledged by African leaders. African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat described him as ‘the epitome of courage, never wavering from his vision for a free Namibia and a unified Africa.’ Kenya‘s President William Ruto also paid tribute to Nujoma, calling him a ‘visionary leader who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of his country.’
A Lasting Impact on Namibia
Nujoma’s passing has been met with sadness from many Namibians, who remember him fondly as ‘father of the nation.’ His leadership laid the foundation for the country’s freedom and unity. As Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah noted, his ‘visionary leadership and dedication to liberation and nation-building’ will be remembered for generations to come.
Nujoma’s death marks the end of an era in Namibia, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations as they strive towards a brighter future.
- theguardian.com | Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president, dies aged 95
- bbc.com | Sam Nujoma: First president of Namibia dies aged 95
- aljazeera.com | Sam Nujoma, Namibias founding father and first president, dies ...
