Nujoma Saved us From Rebels

In the 1990s, the people of the Zambezi region were sharply divided along tribal lines.

The tension between the Mafwe and Masubia dominated the political theatre of the region. It was a terrifying experience for the new Namibian nation.

However, founding president Sam Nujoma embarked on the daunting task of uniting citizens into one Namibian nation.

He worked tirelessly towards integrating the people of the Zambezi region into the new state. He made everybody feel equal and part of the Namibian nation.

While he worked steadfast towards creating a sense of common belonging, secessionist leaders attempted to reverse his hard work by spreading falsehoods among the people to seperate the Zambezi region from Namibia. This caused polarisation among ethnic groups in the region.

However, Nujoma ensured peace and stability prevailed countrywide. He commissioned an inquiry in the Zambezi region that investigated and ended the tension between the Mafwe and Masubia in May 1993 through the Katima Declaration of National Reconciliation.

Most importantly, he safeguarded the territorial integrity of the state by sending the Namibian Defence Force to counter the insurgency of secessionist rebels in 1999 in the Zambezi region.

Surely, he saved us from the diabolical ambitions of secessionists.

Today, the people of the Zambezi region are proud to be Namibians thanks to the love and charismatic leadership of the late founding father.

He always said: “A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all the members of society, will always emerge victorious.”

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Martha Namamba