President Ruto Mourns Namibia’s Founding Father, Sam Nujoma: A Legacy of Freedom and Unity
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Namibia in mourning the passing away of their founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma.”
Namibia's founding president, Dr. Sam Nujoma,passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95. Photo/William Ruto.
President William Ruto has expressed deep condolences over the death of Namibia’s founding president, Dr. Sam Nujoma, who passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95.
In his message, President Ruto stated, “We stand in solidarity with the people of Namibia in mourning the passing away of their founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma.
President Nujoma was a selfless, courageous and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of his country.
“Our thoughts and love are with the family and the people of Namibia at this time of grief. Rest In Peace, Africa’s hero!” Said Ruto
Dr. Sam Nujoma was a pivotal figure in Namibia’s struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa. Born on May 12, 1929, in Ongandjera, Ovamboland, he became actively involved in anti-colonial politics during the 1950s.
In 1959, he co-founded and served as the first president of the Ovamboland People’s Organization (OPO), which later evolved into the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1960.
Under his leadership, SWAPO launched a guerrilla war against South African rule in 1966, marking the beginning of the Namibian War of Independence.
After nearly three decades of struggle, Namibia achieved independence on March 21, 1990.
Nujoma was elected as the country’s first president and served three terms until 2005. During his tenure, he emphasized national reconciliation and unity, coining the motto “One Namibia, One Nation.” He was instrumental in establishing democratic institutions and implementing programs aimed at strengthening national unity.
Nujoma’s leadership extended beyond Namibia’s borders, as he was part of a generation of African leaders who fought against colonial and white minority rule, alongside figures like Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe.
His contributions to Namibia’s liberation and political progress have been widely recognized, earning him numerous honors and awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize and the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced Nujoma’s passing, noting his recent hospitalization.
He described Nujoma as an “extraordinary freedom fighter” and declared a period of national mourning to honor his legacy.
In his condolence message, President Ruto highlighted Nujoma’s selflessness and vision, acknowledging his dedication to Namibia’s liberation and development.
Ruto’s sentiments reflect the deep respect and admiration held by many African leaders for Nujoma’s contributions to the continent’s fight against colonialism and apartheid.
As Namibia and the broader African community mourn the loss of Dr. Sam Nujoma, his legacy as a champion of freedom and unity remains a guiding light for future generations.
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