African Leaders Pay Tribute as Namibia Bids Farewell to Sam Nujoma

WINDHOEK, March 1 – Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, was laid to rest on Saturday as African leaders and dignitaries gathered to honor the man who led the country to independence. The funeral, attended by sitting and former heads of state, brought together key figures from across the continent.

Among those present were South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, former South African leader Thabo Mbeki, and ex-Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete. Nujoma, who died at 95, was buried at Heroes’ Acre, a national memorial built with North Korean support to honor those who fought for Namibia’s sovereignty.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Former President Thabo Mbeki attended the State Funeral of the late former President Dr. Sam Nujoma, honouring his legacy as a liberation hero and founding father of an independent Namibia. Their presence marked the deep bonds of solidarity and… pic.twitter.com/h1nG954XBJ

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) March 2, 2025

President Nangolo Mbumba, speaking at the ceremony, praised Nujoma’s leadership in the struggle against apartheid and colonial rule. “We fought under your command, won the liberation struggle, and forever removed apartheid colonialism from the face of Namibia,” he said, as Nujoma’s coffin, draped in the national colors, was lowered into its final resting place.

Nujoma, who grew up herding cattle, became the face of Namibia’s liberation movement. He led the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in its fight against South African rule, culminating in the nation’s independence on March 21, 1990. Serving as Namibia’s first president until 2005, he sought to unite the country after decades of struggle.

🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa attends the State Funeral of the late former President Dr Sam Nujoma. pic.twitter.com/saUXm26NVW

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 2, 2025

His tenure was not without controversy. Critics pointed to his stance on press freedom, opposition to homosexuality, and a 1998 constitutional amendment that allowed him to seek a third term in office.

Namibia’s fight for independence spanned decades, beginning with resistance against German colonial occupation in the early 20th century. After Germany lost control of the territory following World War I, South Africa imposed apartheid policies that fueled the liberation movement led by Nujoma and his allies.