SAM Nujoma was ‘a gallant freedom fighter and visionary icon [who] was the personification of Namibia’s and Africa’s heroic liberation struggle’, according to a tribute to the former President of Namibia who died on February 8, aged 95.
In a statement, Adama Dieng, the African Union Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities, said Nujoma’s death was ‘a great loss not only for Namibia, but also for Africa and the world at large’.
‘At the helm of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Sam Nujoma played a leading role in his country’s struggle against colonialism and subjugation of its people,’ Dieng noted.
‘He was a distinguished fighter for freedom and the personification of the resistance and determination of the Namibian people in the face of colonial oppression.
‘His presidency marked the beginning of a new era for Namibia, with independence heroically achieved in 1990,’ added Dieng, who is also Founder and Honorary Chair of the Pan-African Alliance for Transparency and Rule of Law (PATROL-Africa).
He said that Nujoma’s leadership was ‘crucial in the consolidation of state, the establishment of democratic institutions, peace, national cohesion and the advancement of the rule of law’. ‘He also promoted Namibian nationhood, national identity and greatly contributed to preserving the country’s traditions and cultural values.
‘A remarkable man of peace who leaves behind an indelible impact on Namibia, Africa and world affairs, Sam Nujoma is an iconic figure whose great name and personal sacrifices will continue to inspire future generations,’ Dieng added.
