Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president and independence leader, has died at 95. His death was announced by President Nangolo Mbumba after Nujoma was hospitalized. Nujoma is celebrated as a father figure who led Namibia from colonial rule to democracy and was the last of a generation of transformative African leaders.
Sam Nujoma, the prominent leader who guided Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, has recently passed away at the age of 95. His death was confirmed on Sunday by the current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, who noted that Nujoma died on Saturday evening following hospitalization in Windhoek. Recognized as the father of the nation, Nujoma served as Namibia’s first president for 15 years, earning deep respect from his compatriots.
Throughout his leadership, Nujoma was celebrated as a charismatic figure instrumental in steering Namibia towards democracy and stability following extended colonial rule and a protracted independence struggle against South Africa. He represented the last of a distinguished group of African leaders who successfully liberated their nations from colonial or minority rule, alongside figures such as Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe.
Many Namibians attribute their country’s process of national healing and reconciliation to Nujoma’s leadership amid the divisions inflicted by the independence war and apartheid. His political adversaries also acknowledged his contributions, despite labeling him a Marxist and criticizing his repressive tactics while in exile. Nujoma is credited with establishing a democratic Constitution that included white citizens in governmental positions post-independence.
Despite his significant contributions to nation-building, Nujoma was often in the international spotlight for his vehement anti-Western rhetoric. He controversially suggested that AIDS was a man-made creation and expressed strong opposition towards homosexuality, referring to it as a “foreign and corrupt ideology” and labeling individuals engaged in it as “idiots.”
The death of Sam Nujoma marks the end of an era for Namibia and highlights his pivotal role in the country’s journey to independence and democracy. Revered as a father figure, Nujoma’s leadership brought reconciliation and stability in post-colonial Namibia. While his rhetoric may have drawn criticism, his contributions towards national healing and creating a democratic framework are undeniable.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
