02/27/2025
Text and photos: Enrique Moreno Gimeranez
WINDHOEK, Namibia.– With deep respect, on behalf of the Cuban Party, the State, the Government and the people, I would like to offer my most heartfelt condolences for the unfortunate death of the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation and first President of the sister Republic of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma; the member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Party, Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State, arrived in the capital of this African nation on February 27 to participate in the state funeral of this dear friend of Cuba.
Upon his arrival at the Windhoek "Hosea Kutako" international airport, Lazo Hernández was received by Jerobeam Shaanika, director of Multilateral Affairs of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation; and Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, ambassador of the Greater Antilles in this sister country.
The Cuban delegation also includes José Ramón Monteagudo Ruiz, member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Party and head of its Agri-Food Department; and the Heroes of the Republic of Cuba Army Corps General Joaquín Quintas Solá, Deputy of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
The Founding Father and first President of the Republic of Namibia passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 95; as officially announced by Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the sister African nation. After learning the unfortunate news, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, published on his account on the social network X: "Deep pain to learn of the death of the great friend of Cuba, Sam Nujoma, Founding Father and first President of Namibia, who led his people in the fight for independence and against apartheid. Heartfelt condolences to the brother Namibian people, family and friends."
For his part, Esteban Lazo conveyed in a message on this same social network the most heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the Cuban people, in the face of the unfortunate death of Sam Nujoma and described him as "a symbol in the fight against apartheid, a worthy son of Africa and an extraordinary friend of Cuba." On the occasion of his death, the President of the Republic of Cuba declared Official Mourning from 6:00 a.m. on February 10 until 12:00 midnight on February 11, 2025, and National Mourning on February 12, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. until 12 midnight; and went to sign the book of condolences opened at the Namibian Embassy in our country on February 11, together with the highest Cuban authorities.
Sam Nujoma showed throughout his life a special affection for Cuba and support for the Revolution, recognized the contribution of our country to the struggles for the liberation of Africa and the end of apartheid, and maintained a close friendship with Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz. In 1991, he was awarded the Order of José Martí, the highest distinction awarded by the Cuban State.
Several Heads of State and other dignitaries from dozens of countries will be represented at the State Funeral in the Namibian capital, reported on February 26 the Minister of Information Technology and Communications of this African nation, Emma Theofelus. In these difficult times for the brotherly Namibian people, there will also be the historic solidarity and support of Cuba.