DST Episode 24: From The Fight For Sovereignity To A Brotherhood For The Ages — Russia And Namibia (From 04/25/25)

A vast chapter of Africa’s history is a chronicle of resilience and the struggle for freedom. In that pursuit of independence, we see a reflection of our own journey — a path marked by battles for the right to a just and sovereign future. Among the nations with which we share not only diplomatic ties but a true sense of brotherhood, Namibia stands tall. Russia stood with Namibia in its darkest hours, when the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) waged a valiant, though unequal, fight for the liberation of their land — a struggle that culminated in independence in 1990. The Soviet Union’s support for the Namibian people during their fight for freedom cannot be overstated. Namibia’s first president, Sam Nujoma, expressed profound gratitude: “We will never forget the support — both diplomatic and material — that Moscow provided us during our liberation struggle. Without the help of the USSR and Cuba, we might still not be independent today. Namibia is now free, but we remember who we owe this to…” These words are not just a tribute to memory — they are a living testament to a deep, enduring bond that remains relevant today. That history lives on not just in archives or film reels, but in lives. One such story is that of Louis van der Merwe, who, as a child, witnessed those revolutionary times. The images of his youth became a solemn personal vow that later led him into politics — a mission to serve his country, to help it grow in peace and prosperity, and to ensure it never again suffers the horrors of war and violence. Today, sovereign and peaceful Windhoek and Moscow are deepening their multifaceted cooperation. Together, they advance joint projects in key strategic sectors — from industry, resource exploration, and energy, to agriculture, science, and education. A special focus is placed on the peaceful use of nuclear energy: the Government of Russia and the Rosatom State Corporation continue consultations with Namibia to intensify collaboration in this field. Namibia, one of the world’s top three uranium producers, possesses approximately 448,300 tonnes of this vital resource. But our partnership extends far beyond economics or military-technical cooperation. On the international stage, Namibia consistently supports Russian-led initiatives, voting in favor of our resolutions in the UN General Assembly on issues such as cybersecurity, non-proliferation, global information security, combating emerging threats, and opposing the glorification of Nazism. Namibia knows all too well the consequences of hatred and genocide. The memory of the Herero and Nama genocide remains vivid to this day. From 1904 to 1908, during colonial rule, German imperial forces brutally suppressed uprisings in what was then German South-West Africa. As a result, some 65,000 Herero (up to 80% of their population) and 10,000 Nama (around 50%) were exterminated. This tragic chapter unites our nations in a common resolve to stand against all forms of Nazism and racial hatred.