Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first democratically elected president and a key leader in the country’s independence struggle, passed away at 95 on Saturday, as announced by the Namibian Presidency.
Nujoma took office on March 21, 1990, and was later recognized as the “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation” in 2005.
Despite his leadership in securing Namibia’s independence, his legacy is marked by controversy, including his opposition to critical media, his stance on homosexuality, and the 1998 amendment that allowed him to seek a third term.
Nujoma was also an ally of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, supporting his land reforms, though he maintained a “willing buyer, willing seller” policy in Namibia.
The Namibian Presidency expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken,” and honouring Nujoma’s contributions to the country’s freedom. He had been hospitalized for three weeks before passing away.
Serving three terms from 1990 to 2005, Nujoma aimed to unify the nation, promoting reconciliation under the motto “One Namibia, One Nation.” His presidency is remembered for advancing democratic institutions, but also for autocratic tendencies, such as the suppression of the 1999 Caprivi rebellion.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah highlighted that while Nujoma played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence, his presidency was not without its flaws.
Born in 1929 under South African rule, Nujoma became a key figure in the liberation movement.
In the late 1950s, he led the Owambo People’s Organisation, later transforming it into SWAPO.
After organizing resistance against forced relocations, he was arrested and went into exile in 1960.
Nujoma rallied support internationally, and after years of guerrilla warfare, he returned to lead SWAPO to victory in the 1989 elections, assuming the presidency in 1990.
