NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, was laid to rest today in a state funeral that drew dignitaries and mourners from across Africa.
Nujoma, who led Namibia to independence and served as its president from 1990 to 2005, passed away on February 8 at the age of 95.
The funeral service took place at Heroes’ Acre, a war memorial near Windhoek, where Nujoma’s coffin, draped in Namibia’s national flag, was interred.
The monument, constructed with North Korean assistance, honors those who fought for the nation’s freedom. In his eulogy, President Nangolo Mbumba reflected on Nujoma’s enduring impact.
“We fought under your command, won the liberation struggle, and forever removed apartheid colonialism from the face of Namibia,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by several African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Born in 1929, Nujoma rose from humble beginnings as a cattle herder to become a pivotal figure in Namibia’s struggle against colonial and apartheid rule.
As a leader of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), he played a central role in the fight for independence, culminating in Namibia’s liberation on March 21, 1990.
National mourning
Following Nujoma’s death, the Namibian government declared a period of national mourning. His remains were transported across various regions, allowing citizens nationwide to pay their respects.
A memorial service was held at Independence Stadium in Windhoek on February 28, where thousands gathered to honor the late leader’s legacy.
Nujoma led the long fight for independence from South Africa after helping found Namibia’s liberation movement, SWAPO, in the 1960s.
He subsequently became president in 1990 and led the country until 2005.
After retiring as head of state, Nujoma continued to lead SWAPO until stepping down in 2007, capping 47 years at the helm of the ruling party.
He is widely credited for ensuring peace and stability after independence from South Africa, which was then under white-minority rule.
Nujoma’s policy of national reconciliation encouraged the country’s white community to remain, and they continue to play a major role in farming and other sectors of the economy.
His final salute included a countrywide tour, with the military transporting his remains to regional capitals as part of an elaborate mourning period leading to his burial on Saturday.
The state funeral is Namibia’s second in just one year, following the burial of President Hage Geingob, the country’s third leader, who died in office on February 4, 2024.
Geingob was laid to rest on February 25.