Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

Namibia Honors Founding President Sam Nujoma with State Funeral

The anti-apartheid leader and liberation hero, who passed at 95, was laid to rest at Heroes' Acre following a month of national mourning.

People gather for the state funeral for Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma at Heroes' Acre, in Windhoek, Namibia, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Dirk Heinrich)
Women in traditional Herero dresses wait to view the body during a memorial service of Sam Nujoma, who became Namibia's first democratically elected president, at the Independence stadium, before his burial tomorrow at Namibia's National Heroes Acre, in the capital Windhoek, Namibia, February 28, 2025. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
People gather for the state funeral for Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma at Heroes' Acre, in Windhoek, Namibia, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Dirk Heinrich)
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba speaks during a memorial service of Sam Nujoma, who became Namibia's first democratically elected president, at the Independence stadium, before his burial tomorrow at Namibia's National Heroes Acre, in the capital Windhoek, Namibia, February 28, 2025. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Overview

  • Sam Nujoma, Namibia's first president and independence leader, died on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95 after a long illness.
  • A state funeral attended by African leaders and dignitaries was held, culminating in his burial at Heroes' Acre, a memorial for those who fought for Namibia's freedom.
  • Nujoma led Namibia's independence movement against apartheid South Africa, serving as president from 1990 to 2005 and fostering political stability during his tenure.
  • The funeral included a 21-gun salute, a military flypast, and tributes from leaders who praised his legacy as a unifying figure and a defender of African liberation.
  • Namibia observed a 21-day mourning period, during which Nujoma's body was transported across the country to allow citizens to pay their respects.