Sam Nujoma, the trailblazing leader who became Namibia’s first democratically elected president after the country’s hard-won independence, has passed away at the age of 95.
The news was confirmed by the Namibian presidency on Sunday, revealing that Nujoma died on Saturday, February 8th, in Windhoek, after a prolonged period of illness.
In a statement of profound sadness, the Namibian presidency expressed its sorrow, noting that over the past three weeks, Nujoma had been hospitalized for medical treatment.
“The most gallant son of our land could not recover from his illness, and the foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken,” the statement read.
President Nujoma’s death marks the loss of a towering figure in Namibia’s history.
His passing comes as the country reflects on the extraordinary legacy of a man who led the nation through its darkest days, from its liberation struggle to its triumph as an independent state.
Nujoma was pivotal in guiding the Namibian people toward freedom, and as Founding President, he worked tirelessly to unify and develop the nation following its independence on March 21, 1990.
“The heroic leadership of President Nujoma helped build a free Namibia, and his vision laid the groundwork for the prosperous future we now embrace,” the presidency noted.
“During this period of national mourning, we must draw strength from the remarkable contributions and leadership of this revered revolutionary leader.”
The Namibian government has announced that further details regarding a period of national mourning and funeral arrangements will be revealed shortly.
Known as a key figure in Africa’s anti-colonial movement, Nujoma’s legacy is also tied to his close relationship with Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, whom he supported during the controversial land reform policies that saw white-owned farms seized.
In recognition of his role in shaping modern Namibia, the country formally declared him its ‘Founding Father’ in a 2005 act of parliament.
