Namibia's founding President Nujoma dies at 95

LUSAKA, Zambia

Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma passed away at the age of 95, the Southern African nation’s president announced on Sunday.

Nujoma died in the capital Windhoek, where he was hospitalized for medical treatment and observation, President Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement.

His time of death was confirmed as 11.45 pm local time (2145GMT) Saturday night, he added.

“Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country. Our founding father heroically marshaled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle until the attainment of freedom and independence (from Germany) on March 21, 1990,” Mbumba said, adding that the government will announce a period of national mourning and burial arrangements.

Nujoma was among the last surviving frontline heads of state who greatly contributed to the region’s emancipation from colonial rule after the death of others such as Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda and South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.

Namibia’s President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “His visionary leadership and dedication to liberation and nation-building laid the foundation for our free, united nation. Let us honor his legacy by upholding resilience, solidarity, and selfless service."

Tributes pour in

Reacting to Nujoma’s passing, Kenyan President William Ruto said his country stood in solidarity with the people of Namibia in mourning.

“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,” Ruto said on Facebook.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said in a statement on X that he is "deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Sam Nujoma - freedom fighter, nationalist, Pan-Africanist, and founding President of Namibia. His legacy will live on forever.”

In his condolence message, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that Namibia is mourning Nujoma's loss a year after the death of former President Hage Geingob, who died in February at the age of 82.

“As neighbors and compatriots, South Africa is united in grief with Namibians who have lost the leader of the Namibian revolution, who is inseparable from our own history of struggle and liberation,” a statement from Ramaphosa’s office read.

Ramaphosa said, “Nujoma was an extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary program between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism and the liberation of South Africa from apartheid.

“Namibia got its independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. He said “President Nujoma’s leadership of a free Namibia laid the foundation for the solidarity and partnership our two countries share today – a partnership we will continue to deepen as neighbours and friends.”

Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for Nujoma's extended life and the many decades he dedicated to serving his country. May his soul rest in peace, and may our neighbours find healing in his legacy."

*Additional reporting by Hassan Isilow in Johannesburg, South Africa