The organization Breaking the Walls of Silence reported that Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, died without acknowledging the atrocities committed in the Lubango dungeons. Oiva Angula, BWS’s acting chairperson, noted Nujoma’s complex legacy that positively shaped the nation but also involved serious human rights violations against Namibians. Although Nujoma was significant in the country’s independence, unaddressed trauma and suffering remain, prompting BWS to continue advocating for justice and reconciliation.
An organization representing victims of the alleged Lubango dungeons has expressed that Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, passed away without addressing these controversial issues. During the 1980s, Swapo was accused of torturing and killing Namibians deemed spies at a detention center in Lubango, Angola. The organization, Breaking the Walls of Silence (BWS), reflected on the mixed legacy left by Nujoma in a condolence message.
Oiva Angula, the acting chairperson of BWS, remarked that Nujoma played a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s political landscape. He acknowledged both the positive contributions of Nujoma to the independence struggle and the negative aspects stemming from the traumatic experiences endured by many Namibians as a result of Swapo’s actions during this time.
Angula stated that despite Nujoma’s decisive leadership, he failed to confront the Lubango issue directly. This negligence resulted in continued suffering for members of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia and other individuals associated with the movement, who endured significant trauma under Nujoma’s leadership and oversight.
Furthermore, Angula indicated that the BWS had attempted to engage Nujoma in constructive dialogue following independence in order to address wartime injustices and seek reconciliation. Unfortunately, these efforts were not realized, leaving many victims and their families without a platform for healing or closure.
Despite Nujoma’s passing, Angula emphasized that the painful memories resulting from the experiences of Swapo military cadres and members still remain. Invoking the African principle of ubuntu and Namibian culture, he noted it is customary to refrain from celebrating the death of any individual, even when complex legacies are involved.
The BWS remains committed to pursuing justice and reconciliation for victims of the Lubango dungeons. Angula reiterated their intention to continue dialogues with the leadership of the Swapo Party and the government to foster genuine restoration for those who suffered and continue to seek recognition for those still unaccounted for.
In summary, the legacy of Sam Nujoma as the founding president of Namibia has elicited a spectrum of emotions, particularly concerning the alleged abuses perpetrated during the Lubango dungeons. Although Nujoma’s contributions to Namibia’s independence are widely acknowledged, his failure to address the injustices faced by many Namibians remains a critical aspect of his legacy. The ongoing efforts by the Breaking the Walls of Silence organization highlight the need for continued dialogue and restorative justice.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
