NAMIBIA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan said yesterday that Africa’s strength in confronting its challenges lies in unity, stressing that solidarity remains essential now and in the future.
Speaking at the swearingin ceremony of Namibia’s President Netumbo NandiNdaitwah, she described the occasion as a historic moment, not only for Namibia but for the entire African continent.
She commended Namibia for its peaceful transition of power and highlighted the significance of electing a second female president in Africa.
President Samia, who was the guest of honour at the event, said the challenges facing Africa today are different from those of the past.
The continent, she said, is now grappling with poverty, hunger and insecurity as well as the burden of debt, trade imbalances and rapid population growth that are straining ecosystems.
“Our borders are no longer safe. The notion of good neighbourliness is eroding, with increased inter conflicts rather than the intra conflicts we experienced in the past,” she said.
She pointed out that the world is experiencing shifts in power and geopolitical ideologies, making it crucial for Africa to remain steadfast in its unity.
She urged leaders to stand together with determination, knowing that victory lies in the justness of their cause.
“Africa must stand tall and be each other’s gatekeeper rather than each other’s downfall,” she said, calling on leaders to reflect on the meaning of solidarity both today and in the future.
President Samia said that Africa stands at a crossroads, balancing economic growth with the long-term vision of building the Africa it wants while staying on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Looking beyond the region, she called for stronger global action on shared issues, saying African voices must be amplified in critical global discussions.
She urged reforms in global governance to make it more inclusive, efficient and accountable.
The Head of State expressed Tanzania’s commitment to supporting the new Namibian President, stressing the importance of African leaders to work together to empower future generations.
She recalled Namibia’s long-standing ties with Tanzania, noting that the new leader had spent her formative years in Tanzania.
“Tanzania is proud to see the daughter we nurtured and raised with love and compassion rise to the highest office in Namibia,” President said.
Namibia also marked the 35th anniversary of its independence yesterday, making the day even more significant.
“Congratulations to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on being sworn in as the fifth president of Namibia. In Tanzania, we fondly address you as Mama SWAPO, a name given to you by our Founding Father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere You have made history and set the bar high for Africa’s and Namibia’s girl child,” she said.
She assured NandiNdaitwah of Tanzania’s continued support, particularly among leaders of frontline states.
“As a sister in politics, we assure you that you can count on our support as presidents of our countries and as chairpersons of our political parties. Our doors are open to consult, discuss and share experiences, as we believe in our moral duty to empower the future generation,” she said.
President NandiNdaitwah was sworn in yesterday, making history as Namibia’s first female president.
Her inauguration came nearly 60 years after she joined the liberation movement fighting for independence from apartheid South Africa.
The 72-year-old won the election in November last year, joining the ranks of Africa’s female leaders, including former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Malawian President Joyce Banda and President Samia.
Sirleaf and Banda, now former leaders, attended Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration, which was initially planned for a soccer stadium but was moved to the official presidential office due to heavy rain.
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Nandi-Ndaitwah succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who had been serving as Namibia’s president since February 2024 following the death of President Hage Geingob.
Before assuming the presidency, she was promoted to vice-president after Geingob’s passing. In her first address as president, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to preserve the gains of Namibia’s independence while accelerating economic and social progress.
“The task facing me as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia is to preserve the gains of our independence on all fronts and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement of our people is carried forward with vigour and determination to bring about shared, balanced prosperity for all,” she said.
She promised to uphold good governance, maintain high ethical standards in public institutions and strengthen regional cooperation.
She also reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to advocating for the self-determination of Palestinians and the people of Western Sahara while calling for the lifting of sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
The President also said Namibia would continue to contribute to efforts to fight climate change, a persistent threat for an arid country of three million people that regularly experiences droughts.
Her husband, a retired general who once commanded Namibia’s armed forces, has been formally given the title of “First Gentleman.” Her inauguration also coincided with another milestone for Namibia, as the country’s Parliament elected its first female speaker.
