Namibia’s first president died at the age of 95

The first president of Independent Namibia Sam Nuhoma died at the age of 95 in the capital Windhoek, the current leader of the country announced.

Nujoma led the long struggle for independence from South Africa in 1990 after helping to open the liberation movement of Namibia, known as the organization of Southwestern peoples (SWAPO) in the 1960s.

After independence, Nuhoma became president in 1990 and led the country until 2005.

Nujoma has been hospitalized over the last three weeks with a disease that “could not recover,” said Namibolo President Nangolo Mbumba in a statement that declared death with “extreme grief and sadness”.

He added: “Our founder father lived a long and consistent life, during which he currently serves people on his beloved country.”

Nuhoma retired as head of state in 2005, but continued to lead the party before retiring in 2007 as president of the ruling Swapo party after 47 years.