Putin expresses condolences over death of Namibia's first president

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolences to President of Namibia Nangolo Mbumba over the death of the first president of this African country, Sam Nujoma. The head of state's telegram was published on February 10 on the Kremlin website.

The first president of Namibia died on Saturday, February 8, at the age of 95 due to health problems.

"The most important events of the modern history of Namibia are inextricably linked with the name of this outstanding man. He led the struggle for the independence of your country and made a huge personal contribution to building the institutions of Namibian statehood," the president said.

Putin said that Nujoma will be remembered around the world as a supporter of the development of friendly Russian-Namibian relations, who has done much to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Nujoma became one of the founders of the national liberation movement of the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. It was SWAPO that led the country to independence from racist South Africa in 1990. Nujoma served as president from 1990-2005.