Role played by Sam Nujoma in the attainment of Namibia’s independence

·         Role played by Sam Nujoma in the attainment of Namibia’s independence

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·         Sam Nujoma was very instrumental in the formation of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). This organization was to spear head the attainment of Namibia's independence.

·         Early in his youth life, he was very radical against Germany and later South African imperialism .

·         In 1948 Apartheid was legally entrenched in South Africa and later in the Namibian territory. Nationalists were persecuted and many of them including Sam Nujoma went to exile.

·         While in exile he put pressure on world leaders to expel South Africa from Namibia.

·         He managed to get a lot of material support from world leaders including guns and ammunitions.

·         Nujoma was the head of SWAPO guerrilla activities, which sabotaged South African troops on many occasions.

·         He played a major role in regaining Namibia’s right to vote; in 1970, 1980s and 1990s.

·         He forgot the past and committed the new government formed for the process of national reconciliation.

·         He realized the need for compromise with other political parties like in 1973 when the Democratic TurnHalle Alliance, where SWAPO didn't gain two third support in elections.

·         Sam Nujoma continued to fight for the independence of Namibia and in 1990 he won the elections as the first black President of Namibia. From 1990 up to date, he is a celebrated leader.

·         From 1994 to date Nujoma is a celebrated leader in the eyes of the international leaders and an avowed Pan Africanist. Nonetheless, he won support of

·         the UN Peace keeping body for respect of human rights and Namibian people's fundamental freedoms.

·         He also won support of the OAU member states in the cause of the Namibian liberation, coordinated with other liberation movements in Africa like ANC, MPLA, FRELIMO, ZANUIPF, FLN and the PAIGC.

·         He had foresight by uniting the different ethnic groups in Namibia such as the Damara, Nama, Herero, Ovambo and the Khoisan.

·         He also united the nationalist groups like the Ovamboland People’s Organization/ Congress (OPO/C), the South West African National Union (SWANU) under Toivo Herman.

·         He recognized the use of armed struggle to liberate Namibia after the failure of peaceful appeals.

·         He acquired outside recognition and bases in countries like Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Egypt and the Soviet Union.

·         He was very instrumental to start the war of liberation in Namibia on 28^th August 1966 in the northern part of Namibia.

·         Because of his charismatic dynamism and wise leadership, he won SWAPO friends and managed to win the 1989 pre-independence elections and two thirds of the t 990 general elections and became President of the independent Namibia.