Africa: Namibia celebrates 24 years of independence

Africa: Namibia celebrates 24 years of independence

The Namibian

WINDHOEK- Namibia celebrated 24 years of independence at the Independence arena in Windhoek today. The President of Nigera, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan along with his Nigerian delegation graced the celebration with their presence.

The stadium was filled with colourful celebrations and different tribes from all over the country, dressed in traditional attire entertained the guests and TV audience with their traditional dances. President Hifikepunye Pohamba said Jonathan’s presence is testimony to the strong bonds of friendship and excellent bilateral relations existing between Namibia and Nigeria.

The president further said the ensured peace and stability in this country provided a conducive environment for socio-economic development and progress. “In this context, we are facing the future with confidence and determination.” He said this country will always celebrate and give requisite honour to its proud history.
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March 21, 2014

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a congratulatory message to Namibia as it celebrates its National Day on March 21

UPI

The U.S. Department of State sent its congratulations to Namibia on the occasion of its 24 years of independence on Friday.

Secretary of State John Kerry issued the following congratulatory message:

“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Namibia as you celebrate 24 years of independence on March 21.

“The United States remains committed to building on the strong legacy of partnership between our nations.

“I am proud of the work we have undertaken in the battle against HIV/AIDS. The success we have achieved in agriculture, education, and conservation is laying the foundation for a more prosperous future.

“Together, our countries are creating new opportunities for the Namibian people by working to improve public health and promote sustainable economic growth.

“We will continue our close partnership with Namibia to achieve our mutual goal of a stable, healthy, and prosperous society for all Namibians.

“As you celebrate this special day from Oshakati to Oranjemund, I offer all Namibians warmest wishes for continued peace, security, and lasting prosperity.”
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Video: Namibia’s 24th Independence Celebration

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Namibia

The area now known as Namibia was originally occupied by native Africans. The first European to set foot on Namibian soil was the Portuguese Diogo Cão in 1485.

In 1793 the Dutch authority in the Cape took control of Walvis Bay. The United Kingdom took control of the Cape Colony (in South Africa) in 1797 and also took over Walvis Bay.

Some of the first Europeans to show interest in Namibia were Christian missionaries. In 1805 the London Missionary Society began working in Namibia, moving north from the Cape Colony.

German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Südwestafrika) was a colony of the German Empire from 1884 until 1915.

In 1915, during the First World War, German South-West Africa was invaded by the Western Allies in the shape of South African and British forces.
The Union of South Africa (part of the British Empire) occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a a League of Nations mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory.

In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region.

Namibia has been governed by SWAPO since the country won independence in 1990.

Windhoek is the largest city in Namibia

Size:
Namibia slightly more than half the size of the U.S. state of Alaska.

Ethnic groups:
black 87.5%
white 6%
mixed 6.5%

Languages:
English (official) 7%
Afrikaans (common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population)
German 32%
African indigenous languages (includes Oshivambo, Herero, Nama) 1%