Nujoma leaves a void in Namibia – Angolan president

Namibia has lost a wise leader in Sam Nujoma (95), Angolan president João Lourenço says in his tribute following the founding president’s death on Saturday.

“It was with deep consternation that we learned of the death of his excellency Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma – former president of the Republic of Namibia,” Lourenço said in a statement on Sunday.

He highlighted the irreparable void Nujoma leaves in the country.

“He put all his energies and experience into building a strong, democratic nation with solid foundations on the path of progress and prosperity, [ensuring] the well-being of the Namibian people,” he said.

Lourenço underscored Nujoma’s experience, knowledge and sagacity as fundamental for the leadership role he played, and noted that the founding president was an integral figure in terms of regional integration and the development of the Southern African Development Community.

“I ask your excellency [Mbumba] to extend my condolences to the bereaved family, to Nujoma’s friends, and to the Namibian people. In this hour of pain and mourning for your nation, please accept my feelings of solidarity,” he added.

Decades after Namibia gained independence, the bond between the two nations remains strong, shaped by a shared history. Angola was one of the key countries that aided Namibia during the liberation struggle. From 1965, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan), with Nujoma as its commander in chief, frequently used Angolan territory to mount raids on South African military positions in Namibia.

During the struggle for independence, mor

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