Namibia Bids Farewell to Founding Father Sam Nujoma

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Windhoek, Namibia – Mourners from across Namibia gathered at Heroes’ Acre in the capital, Windhoek, on Sunday to bid farewell to Sam Nujoma, the country’s first president and liberation hero, who passed away two weeks ago at the age of 95.

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Dignitaries, including past and present African leaders, joined thousands of Namibians in honoring the man regarded as the architect of the nation’s independence. His widow, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were also in attendance as the nation laid to rest a leader widely revered across the continent.

Incumbent President Nangolo Mbumba paid tribute to Nujoma, describing him as an African icon and a revolutionary giant.

“On these hallowed grounds, the final resting place of Namibia’s heroes and heroines, we lay to rest a most distinguished son of the soil. A giant among leaders and a revolutionary icon,” Mbumba said in his eulogy.

Nujoma, often described as Namibia’s “founding father,” rose from humble beginnings herding cattle as a boy to becoming the leader of the country’s armed struggle against apartheid South Africa. He was instrumental in Namibia’s journey to independence in 1990 and served three terms as president until 2005, earning praise for bringing peace and stability to the nation.

“He epitomized the struggle for the liberation of an African person,” said Pendukeni Ithana, vice-chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation. “He was one of the few who stood up in the 1950s to fight against apartheid and racial discrimination.”

Namibia observed a 21-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast in honor of Nujoma’s legacy. His remains were taken on a nationwide farewell tour, passing through seven regions, including his birthplace in Etunda, Okahao.

As his casket, draped in the Namibian flag, was lowered into the ground, a 21-gun salute echoed through the hills, followed by a flypast by the Namibian Air Force. It marked the final tribute to a leader seen as one of the last of a generation who spearheaded Africa’s anti-colonial movements.

While Namibia mourns, the continent reflects on the legacy of a man who fought for liberation, unity, and self-determination, leaving behind a nation shaped by his vision and struggle.