By Olaitan Ibrahim
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president and a pivotal figure in the fight for independence, has passed away at the age of 95 in Windhoek, as confirmed by the current president.
Nujoma, a founder of the South West People’s Organisation (Swapo) in the 1960s, was instrumental in securing Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990. He subsequently served as president from 1990 until 2005.
After being hospitalized for the past three weeks due to an illness, Nujoma succumbed, President Nangolo Mbumba announced with “utmost sorrow and sadness”.
Addressing Namibians, the President said, “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken. Over the past three weeks, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Founding Father of the Namibian Nation was hospitalized for medical treatment and medical observation due to ill health.
“Unfortunately, this time, the most gallant son of our land could not recover from his illness.
“It is therefore with utmost sorrow and sadness that I announce this morning of the 9th of February 2025 to the Namibian people, our African brothers and sisters and the world at large, about the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. President Nujoma passed on at the age of 95 on the 8th of February at 23h45 in Windhoek, Namibia.
“Our Founding Father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country. Our Founding Father heroically marshalled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle until the attainment of freedom and independence on the 21st of March 1990.
“As Founding President, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world.
“In that vein, our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.
“During this period of national mourning, we should be comforted by the unmatched leadership and extraordinary contributions of President Nujoma to the liberation struggle, the development and unity of the Namibian people.
“I would like to thank the medical staff who cared diligently for our treasured leader. Also, I would like to thank Namibians and friends of Namibia who extended messages and prayers of recovery to our Founding Father and Founding President, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I convey my sincere condolences to the Founding First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Kovambo Nujoma, Honorable Utoni Nujoma, the children, as well as the entire Nujoma and Kondombolo Family.”
He added that the government will later announce a period of national mourning and burial arrangements.