Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s First President, Passes Away at 95

Nujoma's legacy as a founding father of Namibia will be remembered by many.

Namibia is mourning the loss of its first president, Sam Nujoma, who died at the age of 95 in the capital, Windhoek, according to a statement from current president Nangolo Mbumba. Nujoma was a key figure in the fight for Namibia's independence from South African rule, leading the charge since the establishment of the South West Peoples' Organisation (Swapo) in 1960. He became the first president of an independent Namibia in 1990 and served until 2005, marking a significant period in the young nation's history.

President Mbumba expressed his condolences, noting that Nujoma had been hospitalized for three weeks prior to his passing due to an illness from which he could not recover. "Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country," Mbumba stated in a heartfelt announcement.

Nujoma's leadership was characterized by a commitment to national unity and development, guiding Namibia through its formative years. After stepping down as president, he remained influential within the Swapo party until 2007, leaving behind a robust legacy of liberation and governance that continues to shape the nation's path forward.