The editorial acknowledges the largely overlooked passing of Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president, a significant figure in Africa’s anti-colonial movement. Despite Nujoma’s contributions alongside renowned leaders like Mandela, his death went unnoticed in Jamaica. The piece highlights Jamaica’s historic connections with Namibia and the importance of remembering such figures and their legacies in current global discourse.
Sam Nujoma, the former president of Namibia, passed away on February 8 and was buried on March 1, yet his death went largely unnoticed in Jamaica. As a prominent figure in Africa’s anti-colonial movement, he played a significant role in fighting against white minority rule, a struggle that was supported by Jamaica’s moral advocacy.
During his presidency from 1990, Nujoma visited Jamaica in 1995, where he was awarded the Order of Jamaica by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. This connection extended to recent times when Jamaica’s current Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, engaged in diplomatic relations with Namibia, signing agreements with former President Hage Geingob.
Nujoma was recognized as a key leader alongside notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe in the liberation movements of the 1970s and 1980s. Leading the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), he fought against South African control, marking a significant chapter in the anti-apartheid struggle.
SWAPO was founded in 1960, as the United Nations revoked South Africa’s mandate over the territory, and under Nujoma’s leadership, the organization aimed to secure independence for Namibia through global advocacy and armed resistance. The path to independence was marked by Resolution 435 in 1978, and eventually, Namibia achieved formal independence in March 1990.
Jamaica’s role in supporting anti-colonial efforts in Africa cannot be understated. Influenced by Pan-Africanism, Jamaica vigorously opposed apartheid, notably during the 1950s with a ban on South African products, and Ola Michael Manley’s active advocacy in the 1970s.
Despite not achieving the iconic status of leaders like Mandela or Machel, Nujoma made noteworthy contributions during his presidency, fostering a multiparty democracy in Namibia while also facing accusations of authoritarianism. His legacy includes the voluntary relinquishment of power and efforts to balance societal inequalities in the country.
In today’s context of complex global dynamics, it is essential to remember and honor the contributions of figures like Sam Nujoma. Forgetting these histories risks the repetition of past mistakes and undermines the tools needed to confront contemporary challenges facing global societies.
Sam Nujoma’s passing represents not only the loss of a key figure in Africa’s liberation history but also emphasizes Jamaica’s longstanding ties to Namibia and broader anti-colonial efforts. Nujoma’s role in the fight against oppression and his approach to governance remain relevant lessons. By remembering these narratives, societies can engage more meaningfully with current global challenges and uphold the values of justice and equality.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
