Sam Nujoma, the founding president of Namibia who guided the nation to independence and led it for 15 years, died Saturday in Windhoek at the age of 95.
Acting President Nangolo Mbumba announced his death Sunday morning, calling him "a revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader." Nujoma leaves behind his wife, Kovambo, 91, and their children.
His death comes amid national mourning for Hage Geingob, Namibia's third president, who died on February 4. Nujoma served as president from 1990 to March 2005, emerging from humble beginnings as a cattle herder in northern Namibia to become the architect of the country's independence.
In the late 1970s, Nujoma spearheaded negotiations with Western powers that resulted in UN Security Council Resolution 435, establishing a framework for free elections in Namibia. The path to implementing this diplomatic achievement proved challenging, as South African resistance and U.S. President Ronald Reagan's demands for Cuban withdrawal from Angola delayed progress.
The independence process faced early turbulence on April 1, 1989, when South African forces killed Plan combatants crossing from Angola. Yet Nujoma returned triumphantly to Namibia on September 14, 1989, greeted by his 89-year-old mother and Swapo leadership at Windhoek airport. His party secured 57% of the vote in subsequent UN-supervised elections.
As president, Nujoma maintained a pragmatic approach to governance. Though he acknowledged Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc, and Cuban support during the independence struggle, he emphasized that neither he nor Swapo embraced communist ideology. His presidency featured strong economic ties with various international leaders, regardless of their governing styles.
Former education minister Nahas Angula highlighted Nujoma's focus on development, citing his commitment to education, health, agriculture, and housing. Under his leadership, Namibia expanded literacy programs and established the Namibian College of Opening Learning.
Born May 12, 1929, at Etunda village in the Omusati region, Nujoma began his career earning 10 shillings monthly at a Walvis Bay store. His political awakening came through interactions with international soldiers stationed there during World War II. He later worked for South African Railways in Windhoek, pursuing education through night school and correspondence courses.
In 1959, Nujoma led the Owambo People's Organisation, which evolved into the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo) in 1960. He petitioned the United Nations for Namibian independence and organized protests against forced relocations, leading to his exile in 1960.
His last public appearance occurred at President Geingob's memorial service this February. Throughout his life, Nujoma remained committed to Namibian sovereignty, often stating, "A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious."
Acting President Nangolo Mbumba announced his death Sunday morning, calling him "a revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader." Nujoma leaves behind his wife, Kovambo, 91, and their children.
His death comes amid national mourning for Hage Geingob, Namibia's third president, who died on February 4. Nujoma served as president from 1990 to March 2005, emerging from humble beginnings as a cattle herder in northern Namibia to become the architect of the country's independence.
In the late 1970s, Nujoma spearheaded negotiations with Western powers that resulted in UN Security Council Resolution 435, establishing a framework for free elections in Namibia. The path to implementing this diplomatic achievement proved challenging, as South African resistance and U.S. President Ronald Reagan's demands for Cuban withdrawal from Angola delayed progress.
The independence process faced early turbulence on April 1, 1989, when South African forces killed Plan combatants crossing from Angola. Yet Nujoma returned triumphantly to Namibia on September 14, 1989, greeted by his 89-year-old mother and Swapo leadership at Windhoek airport. His party secured 57% of the vote in subsequent UN-supervised elections.
As president, Nujoma maintained a pragmatic approach to governance. Though he acknowledged Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc, and Cuban support during the independence struggle, he emphasized that neither he nor Swapo embraced communist ideology. His presidency featured strong economic ties with various international leaders, regardless of their governing styles.
Former education minister Nahas Angula highlighted Nujoma's focus on development, citing his commitment to education, health, agriculture, and housing. Under his leadership, Namibia expanded literacy programs and established the Namibian College of Opening Learning.
Born May 12, 1929, at Etunda village in the Omusati region, Nujoma began his career earning 10 shillings monthly at a Walvis Bay store. His political awakening came through interactions with international soldiers stationed there during World War II. He later worked for South African Railways in Windhoek, pursuing education through night school and correspondence courses.
In 1959, Nujoma led the Owambo People's Organisation, which evolved into the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo) in 1960. He petitioned the United Nations for Namibian independence and organized protests against forced relocations, leading to his exile in 1960.
His last public appearance occurred at President Geingob's memorial service this February. Throughout his life, Nujoma remained committed to Namibian sovereignty, often stating, "A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious."
