Sam Nujoma, the revered freedom fighter and first president of Namibia, has passed away at the age of 95. Nujoma, a towering figure in Namibian history, led the country to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, becoming known as the “Father of the Nation.”
The announcement of his death was made by current Namibian President Hage Geingob on Sunday. Geingob revealed that Nujoma died on Saturday night in Windhoek after being hospitalized for medical treatment due to ill health. “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken,” Geingob said in his statement, reflecting the immense loss felt by the nation.
Nujoma, who had been hospitalized for the past three weeks, succumbed to his illness despite efforts to treat him, Geingob added. Nujoma’s passing marks the end of an era for Namibia, as he was a pivotal figure in the country’s liberation struggle against colonial and apartheid rule. His legacy as a steadfast leader in the independence movement and as a founding father of the Namibian republic will live on.
Born in 1929 in the rural areas of Namibia, Nujoma rose from humble beginnings as the eldest of 11 children in an impoverished family. He worked for South African Railways after moving to Windhoek and became politically active after his arrest following a protest in 1959. Shortly after his release, Nujoma fled to Tanzania, where he began organizing for Namibia’s independence, eventually founding the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1960.
Under Nujoma’s leadership, SWAPO led a guerrilla campaign for Namibia’s independence from South Africa, which lasted more than 20 years. Though SWAPO was never able to achieve a military victory, it won widespread international recognition, ultimately leading to the United Nations recognizing it as the sole representative of the Namibian people. South Africa withdrew from the country, paving the way for Namibia’s independence in 1990.
Nujoma’s return to Namibia in 1989 for the first democratic elections marked a historic moment for the country. His election as president confirmed Namibia’s independence, and he was credited for leading the country through its early years of nation-building. His leadership promoted stability and national healing after years of division under colonial rule and the apartheid system, with policies that encouraged reconciliation among various ethnic groups and even included white politicians in the newly-formed government.
During his presidency, Nujoma was both admired and criticized. He was lauded for his role in fostering Namibia’s democratic transition and national unity. At the same time, his reputation was occasionally marred by his Marxist rhetoric and controversial statements on global issues. In 2000, he caused a stir at a UN conference by claiming that AIDS was a man-made biological weapon. He also faced criticism for his comments on homosexuality, which he called a “foreign and corrupt ideology.”
Despite such controversies, Nujoma’s pragmatism and commitment to his country were widely acknowledged. He established Namibia’s democratic Constitution, supported women’s advancement, and was praised for making significant strides in creating a peaceful and stable society. He remained a leading figure in Namibian politics until his resignation from the presidency in 2005.
Nujoma was a key advocate for women’s rights, stating, “There is no shortage of competent and experienced African women to lead the way forward.” This vision was realized in 2024 when Namibia elected its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Nujoma’s international diplomatic efforts were equally impactful. He built strong relations with countries such as Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and China, which had supported Namibia’s liberation movement. However, Nujoma also maintained ties with Western powers, including a landmark visit to the White House in 1993, where he was received by U.S. President Bill Clinton. Clinton referred to Nujoma as “the George Washington of his country.”
In his later years, Nujoma continued to be a vocal proponent of Namibia’s political and economic interests, even as he stepped down from the presidency in 2005 and handed leadership to his successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba. He remained involved with SWAPO, where he served as party president until 2007.
Nujoma’s death marks the loss of one of Africa’s last liberation icons. A deeply respected leader who shaped Namibia’s political landscape, his legacy is enshrined in the nation’s independence and its ongoing journey toward democracy. His passing leaves behind a legacy of resilience, unity, and vision that will continue to inspire generations of Namibians and Africans alike.
Nujoma is survived by his family and the many people whose lives he transformed through his leadership and advocacy.
