Namibia and its Independence
32 Years of Emancipation
The country officially gained independence on March 21, 1990. Sam Nujoma was sworn in as Namibia's first president at a ceremony attended by South African Nelson Mandela, who had been released from prison just a month earlier.
32 years ago, Namibia gained its independence. Many centuries of struggle for freedom and 32 years of affirming its strength as a nation. Here is the chronology of Namibia's history until independence and 13 events you might not have known.
– Since 1990, March 21 has been Namibia's national holiday, celebrating independence from South Africa.
– The interest of European powers in the region began in the early 19th century.
– Namibia became a German colony in 1884 under the name German South West Africa. Germany feared that the British might take control of all of Southern Africa.
– The League of Nations South Africa occupied Namibia during World War I. After Germany's defeat, the League of Nations mandated South Africa to administer the territory. After World War II, the League of Nations was dissolved and replaced by the United Nations.
– In April 1946, the UN established a trusteeship system to bring all former German colonies in Africa under UN control. South Africa refused to relinquish control, arguing that the majority of the territory's population was content with South African rule.
– Namibia was not officially part of South Africa, but the country was essentially treated as such and referred to as South West Africa.
– In the 1970s, the independence of neighboring states like Zambia and Angola provided a base for resistance against South Africa. The People's Liberation Army of Namibia led the independence movement as part of the Namibian War of Independence.
– In 1988, South Africa agreed to end its occupation of Namibia.
– The country officially gained independence on March 21, 1990, changed its name to Namibia, and adopted its current flag.
– Namibia is named after the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world.
– Sam Nujoma became Namibia's first president.
– Nelson Mandela, who had been released from prison just a month earlier, attended the ceremony.
– Namibia has had three presidents to date. The current president is Hage Geingob.
"To the Namibian people, I want to say on this solemn occasion that our nation has blazed the trail to freedom. It has picked itself up. From today, we are the masters of this vast land of our ancestors. The destiny of this country now rests entirely in our own hands. We should therefore look to the future with confidence and hope."
Sam Nujoma, President of Namibia, 1990.
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CHF 12.90 instead of CHF 14.90
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CHF 12.90 instead of CHF 14.90
Offer – from 10 pieces
NAMIBIA ORIGINAL BILTONG STICKS
Külbs Chili Taste – 100g
CHF 12.90 instead of CHF 14.90
Offer – from 10 pieces
NAMIBIA ORIGINAL BILTONG STICKS
Külbs Traditional – 100g
CHF 12.90 instead of CHF 14.90
