Namibia: A Brief History
From the late 1800s up until nearly 2000, Namibia was constantly being juggled between powers, particularly between Germany and South Africa. In the 1880s, Germany ruled what used to be called South West Africa. The discovery of diamonds under Germany’s rule in 1908 caused Europeans to rush into Namibia, bringing to it international recognition. During World War I, South African forces seized the land that resulted in its subsequent administration under a League of Nations mandate in 1920. A war between the South African forces inhabiting South West Africa and the Swapo (South West African People's Organization) liberation movement began in 1966, lasting for the next 25 years – Namibia’s first step towards independence. The Swapo rose to power in 1989, after an election implemented by United Nations Resolution 435 (for free and fair elections).
The Republic of Namibia established its system of government on March 21, 1990, when it was finally free of South African rule. Sam Nujoma, a strong advocator for Namibia’s independence, was elected as the country’s first president. Much like that of the United States, Namibia’s government is divided into three sub-sectors: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judiciary Branch. Since its independence in 1990, Namibia has remained reasonably stable in most respects, especially in comparison to the endless power struggle with South Africa. Unlike many other African countries, Namibia doesn’t have nearly as much racial tension as the others, due to a reconciliation after the war.
“The Government's policy of national reconciliation and unity embraces the concepts of tolerance, respect for differing political views, and racial and ethnic harmony. The Constitution provides for the division of power between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.”*
More recently, like many other African countries, unfortunately, Namibian inhabitants have been battling the HIV/Aids epidemic that has spread within the past 20 years. President Nujoma has recently made the protection against these two often fatal diseases a priority within the nation.
*Quote from embassyofnamibia.org
“The Government's policy of national reconciliation and unity embraces the concepts of tolerance, respect for differing political views, and racial and ethnic harmony. The Constitution provides for the division of power between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.”*
More recently, like many other African countries, unfortunately, Namibian inhabitants have been battling the HIV/Aids epidemic that has spread within the past 20 years. President Nujoma has recently made the protection against these two often fatal diseases a priority within the nation.
*Quote from embassyofnamibia.org