King Charles pays tribute to late Namibian leader Nujoma

Britain’s King Charles has paid tribute to Namibia’s former president, Sam Nujoma, who has died aged 95, saying his “lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy” was “inspirational” and his “contribution to history was immense.”

Nujoma, who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, died on Saturday, the current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced.

In a statement released on Sunday evening, Charles said: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of former President Sam Nujoma today.

“President Nujoma’s contribution to history was immense, through his leadership of the long struggle for independence, and his subsequent service of 15 years as the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia.”

Charles said Namibia is a valued member of the Commonwealth and reflected on a visit his mother Queen Elizabeth II made to the country in 1991.

“I recall with particular gratitude how much Her late Majesty The Queen enjoyed Her State Visit to Namibia in 1991, hosted so graciously by President Nujoma,” Charles said.

“His lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy, overcoming so much adversity on that journey, was truly inspirational.