18/02/2025
Statement by President Varney Alieu Jarsey, President of the All Africa Students Union AASU on the Passing of Sam Nujoma, A guerillia fighter, Revolutionary Martyr and Struggle Icon of Namibia
Comrades and friends of the Namibia National Students Organization NANSO, fellow Namibians, Africans and progressive forces of the world;
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, an unfortunate incident occurred in the southern part of Africa. It was the news of the demise of Sam Nujoma, former president of the Republic of Namibia.
Martyr Nujoma was a revolutionary leader and struggle icon par excellence. Furthermore, he was an unrelenting anti-colonialist who was very instrumental in the formation of the Southern West People's Organization (SWAPO) in 1960 and served as its first president.
Like the African National Congress (ANC) of
Nelson Mandela and the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) of Samora Moses Mischael, SWAPO was founded as a radical leftist movement to champion the independence struggle for the liberation of Namibia from the apartheid South Africa. Through the People's Liberation Army, Martyr Nujoma launched a guerilla struggle and courageously led SWAPO in battling the apartheid army of South Africa till 1989, followed by Namibia's independence in 1990.
Comrades, Nujoma's exemplary leadership helped secure three terms of presidency for him: 1990-2005 and president of SWAPO from 1960-2007. The unwavering confidence reposed in him by his people were triggered on his radical stance against reactionary maneuvering orchestrated by the west and its allies. We reminisce vividly about his speech in 2000 at the United Nations conference in Geneva when he categorized "AIDS" as an artificial biological weapon created by the west. His stance against homosexuality, calling g**s "idiots" and branding homosexuality a "foreign and corrupt ideology," was revolutionary. The All Africa Students Union (AASU) believes no country, individual or whoever has the right to dictate to Africans about what ideology to subscribe to or who to choose as their allies. Africa has never dictated to Europe and America. In the same vein, Europe and America should allow Africa to champion her future and destiny.
AASU as a pan-Africanist institution, applauds vigorously the indelible legacy of Njouma as his death marks the end of an era of progressive martyrs like Robert Mugabe, Mwalimu
Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Kenneth David Kaunda, Nelson Mandela and other leaders who struggle daringly for the liberation of their countries from the arrogant rule of oligarchs and white minority rule. We urge the workers, youth, and students of Namibia not to weep. Marty Njouma's death at age 95 is a testament to a life well lived. He followed in the traditions of great African leaders like Leopold Senghor of Sengal, Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe, all of whom died at 95. Indeed, "men of destiny have charmed life".
Aluta Continua, Struggle Continue
Namibia National Students Organization - Official
Liberia National Students’ Union - LINSU
The Zambia National Students Union
BOTSWANA NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS (BONUS)
NUGS - National Union of Ghana Students
Vanguard Student Unification Party-SUP
