By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
WINDHOEK
Namibia’s first president, Sam Nujoma, has died at the age of 95, the country’s current leader, President Nangolo Mbumba, announced.
Nujoma, a towering figure in Namibia’s liberation struggle, passed away in the capital, Windhoek, after being hospitalized for three weeks with an illness from which he “could not recover,” President Mbumba said in a statement filled with “utmost sorrow and sadness.”
Born in 1929, Nujoma was instrumental in the fight for Namibia’s independence from South African rule. In the 1960s, he co-founded the South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo), which became the driving force behind the country’s long struggle for self-rule. His efforts culminated in Namibia’s independence in 1990, making him the nation’s first president.
Nujoma served as head of state from 1990 to 2005, guiding the young nation through its formative years and laying the foundation for its democratic institutions. Even after stepping down as president, he remained active in politics, leading Swapo until 2007, when he retired from the party’s leadership after 47 years at the helm.
President Mbumba paid tribute to the late leader, describing him as an inspiration to generations of Namibians. “He inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors,” he said. “Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country.”
Nujoma’s passing marks the end of an era for Namibia, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his people. The government is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
