Sam Nujoma, Founding President of Namibia, Passes Away at 95
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Synopsis
Sam Nujoma, the founding President of Namibia, died on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95. President Nangolo Mbumba announced the news, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the revolutionary leader. Nujoma served as Namibia's first president from 1990 to 2005 and was a key figure in the country's independence.
Key Takeaways
- Sam Nujoma served as Namibia's first president.
- He was a founding member of SWAPO.
- Nujoma passed away at the age of 95.
- His health declined over three weeks in a Windhoek hospital.
- A national mourning period will be announced.
Windhoek, February 9 (NationPress) Namibia's founding President Sam Nujoma has passed away at the age of 95, as announced by the country's President Nangolo Mbumba in a statement released on Sunday morning.
Mbumba revealed that Nujoma had been receiving medical treatment and observation in the capital city, Windhoek, over the previous three weeks due to his declining health, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"Regrettably, this time, our most valiant son could not overcome his illness," Mbumba expressed.
"It is with deep sorrow that I announce to the Namibian people, our African brothers and sisters, and the global community, the passing of our esteemed freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. He departed this life at 23h45 on February 8, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia," he stated.
Born on May 12, 1929, in Etunda village, located in the Omusati Region of northwestern Namibia, Nujoma held office as the nation’s first president from 1990 until 2005. He was a key figure in establishing the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), the party that has led Namibia since achieving independence.
Expressing condolences to Nujoma's family via social media, Mbumba indicated that his government would soon declare a period of national mourning and outline burial arrangements to pay tribute to the founding President.
In his youth, Nujoma tended to his family's cattle and attended a Finnish mission school. He later relocated to the coastal city of Walvis Bay before moving to Windhoek, where he worked for the South African Railways, as noted in a biography featured on the website of Nujoma's charitable foundation.
According to Ndumba Kamwanyah, a political analyst and lecturer at the University of Namibia, Nujoma’s legacy includes the establishment of democratic institutions and an emphasis on reconciliation.
