Namibian and ruling Swapo party President Sam Nujoma, known as the father of the nation, passed away at the age of 95. He led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years. Nujoma was praised for his role in national healing and reconciliation after a long colonial rule and bitter war of independence. Despite criticism for his anti-Western rhetoric, he was also recognized for establishing a democratic Constitution and involving white businessmen and politicians in government. Nujoma’s ties with countries like North Korea, Cuba, Russia, and China were balanced with outreach to the West, and he was the first African leader to be hosted at the White House by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Nujoma’s early life was marked by poverty, but he rose to prominence as the leader of the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO), Namibia’s ruling party since 1990.
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