Sam Nujoma, the father-figure known for leading Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa and serving as its first president, has passed away at the age of 95. Nujoma, who spent nearly 30 years in exile as the leader of the independence movement, is credited with steering the country to democracy and stability after a bitter war of independence.
Despite being branded a Marxist, Nujoma was praised for establishing a democratic Constitution and promoting national healing and reconciliation. He balanced his anti-Western rhetoric with outreach to the West, being the first African leader to be hosted at the White House by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Nujoma also advocated for the advancement of women and built ties with nations like North Korea, Cuba, Russia, and China.
Nujoma’s early life was marked by poverty and working for South African Railways before being arrested following a political protest in 1959, leading to his exile in Tanzania. In exile, he helped establish SWAPO, Namibia’s ruling party since 1990, and led it for 47 years until stepping down in 2007. Nujoma initiated SWAPO’s guerrilla campaign after South Africa refused a U.N. resolution, ultimately winning broad political support and leading to South Africa’s withdrawal from the country.
Nujoma’s legacy as a liberation fighter, pragmatic leader, and advocate for women’s rights lives on, with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah set to become Namibia’s first female president. Despite not having a formal education, Nujoma was dedicated to his country’s liberation, prioritizing the struggle over his personal education.
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