On March 21, 1990, Namibia officially declared independence from South Africa, ending decades of colonial rule and occupation. The southern African nation had previously been a German colony known as South-West Africa until South Africa took control of the territory in 1920, following its military occupation during World War I, starting in 1915.
South Africa’s hold on Namibia was part of its broader effort to maintain white minority rule during the apartheid era. The government feared that the rise of independent, Black-led African nations would undermine its apartheid policies.
Resistance to South African control grew over the years, especially after 1966, when the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) launched its armed struggle through its military wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN). The movement gained momentum after Angola gained independence in 1975, allowing SWAPO to establish bases across the border and build international support.
After prolonged conflict and negotiations, South Africa finally agreed to relinquish control in 1988. Namibia held its first democratic elections in 1989, paving the way for full independence a year later.
Thirty-five years ago today, Namibia took its place as a free and sovereign nation.
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