From Gobabis to Walvis Bay and Ondangwa to Keetmanshoop, the Namibian people mourn the loss of the father of the nation. In response to this national mourning, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his heartfelt condolences in a telegram, thus testifying to the profound impact of this iconic figure.
Sam Nujoma as an iconic figure in the struggle for Namibian independence
An undisputed hero of Namibian and African history, Sam Nujoma passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a powerful legacy of struggle for independence. A symbol of resistance to colonial oppression and apartheid, he is recognized as the father of the Namibian nation. Born in 1929 under South African rule, he grew up in a climate of racial injustice, which fueled his determination to fight for the freedom and dignity of his people. In 1960, he co-founded SWAPO, which spearheaded the struggle for independence, combining armed resistance and diplomatic offensive to mobilize the support of the UN, the OAU (forerunner of the AU) and the nations of the socialist bloc or Eastern Bloc led by the Soviet Union. His charisma and vision kept the liberation movement together during more than two decades of war for independence.
In 1990, Sam Nujoma became the first president of independent Namibia – a position he held until 2005 – playing a crucial role in stabilising the country and establishing democracy, just months before the illusion of the end of the Cold War in 1991, while the Berlin Wall had just fallen in November 1989. Forged in this period of turmoil, Nujoma’s legacy remains an undeniable testament to the strength of resistance, sacrifice and hope that led Namibia to sovereignty.
Sam Nujoma as a craftsman of international cooperation
As international relations were organized around the two superpowers (the United States and the Soviet Union) whose rivalries divided the world into two blocs (East and West), Sam Nujoma stood out as an influential architect of international cooperation, particularly with Russia. A visionary leader and seasoned diplomat, he skillfully navigated the complex geopolitical landscape to advance Namibia’s interests. One of the last representatives of the generation of African leaders who led their country to independence after decades of colonization and oppression , his ability to transform Soviet support during the struggle for independence into a lasting strategic partnership is remarkable.
Under his presidency (1990-2005), Namibia and Russia enriched their collaboration through key agreements in education, health, mining and defense. Scholarships in Russia trained a skilled Namibian elite, while Russian mining expertise helped develop the country’s natural resources. A visionary of South-South solidarity, Nujoma advocated for a strengthened partnership between Africa and Russia, influencing platforms such as the Russia-Africa Summit.
As international relations were organized around the United States and the Soviet Union, Nujoma staunchly defended Namibian sovereignty and sustainable development, thus consolidating a valuable diplomatic legacy for Africa and international relations. The vote on the UN resolution on Ukraine on February 24, 2025, provides further evidence of the strength of Russia-Namibia relations.
Sam Nujoma’s legacy through the lens of resilience
The undisputed leader of the independence movement and having taken over the leadership of the Namibian People’s Liberation Army in 1971, Sam Nujoma’s death marks the end of an era, but his vibrant legacy remains a powerful subject of heated debate. Hailed as an independence hero and an iconic symbol of African resistance, Nujoma is revered for leading Namibia to victory over apartheid and colonial oppression. His visionary leadership enabled Namibia to emerge as a sovereign nation in 1990, while his unwavering commitment to national reconciliation prevented post-independence violence, standing in stark contrast to other African nations.
An architect of a multi-party democracy, he also forged a political landscape in which SWAPO remained predominant. On the international stage, Nujoma left an indelible mark by championing African solidarity and consolidating South-South alliances.
His visionary strategy in strengthening Namibian-Russian ties, as well as his efforts for Africa within the non-aligned world, underscore his strategic and influential approach. Therefore, Nujoma’s legacy of resilience and pan-African aspirations for self-determination and dignity embodies this relentless struggle for freedom and complex nation-building. As Namibia mourns its founding father, his influence continues to inspire future generations across the African continent. A true symbol of the struggle for justice, Sam Nujoma remains a visionary architect of independence and a people-to-people link, whose actions not only shaped Namibia’s destiny but also influenced the course of African history.
Tributes and funerals in accordance with his rank
Sam Nujoma died at the age of 95 on the night of 8-9 February 2025 in Windhoek, where he was hospitalized for medical treatment. His body left Hosea International Airport Kutako for Ondangwa, escorted by President Nangolo Mbumba, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, his family and various officials. At Nujoma’s residence, former Prime Minister Nahas Angula announced to Kovambo Nujoma, the grieving wife, the arrival of the coffin. After an emotional reception, the funeral procession will embark on a commemorative tour through seven regions: Omusati, Oshana, Erongo, Kavango East, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa and Kharas. The body will then return to Windhoek for a final procession on 27 February, before the final memorial service on 28 February, followed by the funeral scheduled for 1 March.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his sincere condolences to Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, stressing the unwavering friendship between Nujoma and Russia. In an official telegram, the Kremlin stressed that the modern history of Namibia remains inseparable from Nujoma. As an iconic figure, he is recognized in Russia as a staunch advocate of strengthening bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. Putin also conveyed his condolences to Nujoma’s family and the Namibian people.
Nujoma, a historic leader of the national liberation struggles, joins the ranks of great African leaders such as Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Samora Machel (Mozambique), Nelson Mandela (South Africa) and Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia). Founder and president of independent Namibia from 1990 to 2005, he played a key role in the push for independence through SWAPO, while also deftly navigating international diplomacy with nations such as Cuba, Libya, Iran, North Korea and China, despite Western diplomatic isolation. Close to historical figures such as Patrice Lumumba, Nujoma consolidated his ties with the USSR (visiting the country several times and attending the 27th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1986), where three of his sons studied military science. This perfectly illustrates the depth of the relationship between the two nations.
Since his first visit to the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) – formerly known as Patrice Lumumba University (PFUR) – in 1976, Samuel Daniel Shafiishuna Nujoma has consistently supported collaborative initiatives between the two countries. Whether at the 1981 rally in support of freedom in South Africa or during the PFUR’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2010, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate, Mr. Nujoma has consistently highlighted the importance of this institution in supporting people’s liberation movements in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Under his influence, a strategic partnership was formed, materialized by cooperation agreements signed in 2018 and 2020 between PFUR and Namibian universities, including the Windhoek International University of Management. Thanks to these efforts, more than 300 Namibian specialists have graduated from PFUR. Currently, 27 Namibian students are continuing their studies at this institution, testifying to the lasting impact of this academic and cultural alliance. Therefore, Namibia regularly expresses its gratitude for the role played by RUDN in its history, including in training specialists who contribute to the development of the country. This educational cooperation is part of a broader vision of strengthening bilateral relations, based on the principles of solidarity and mutual support.
From the above, we can deduce that Sam Nujoma’s passing marks the end of an era, but his political and diplomatic legacy continues to influence Namibian-Russian relations. Vladimir Putin’s condolences, as well as references to Nujoma’s contributions to strengthening ties between the two countries, underline the strategic importance of this relationship. Educational cooperation, symbolized by RUDN, remains a key pillar of this alliance, offering promising prospects for the future.
It can be said that the figure of Sam Nujoma embodies not only the struggle for Namibian independence, but also the deep and enduring ties between his country and Russia. These relations, forged in the crucible of liberation struggles and strengthened by concrete collaborations, testify to the ability of nations to overcome historical divisions to build a common future.
Mohamed Lamine KABA, Expert in geopolitics of governance and regional integration, Institute of Governance, Human and Social Sciences, Pan-African University
