Mkapa pays tribute to retiring {outgoing Namibian President} Nujoma

2005-03-21 05:28:52
By Guardian Reporter


President Benjamin Mkapa has showered outgoing Namibian President Sam Nujoma with praise for spearheading the country’s economic development that ranks among the best in Africa.

Mkapa, who is also a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) troika, said Nujoma’s efforts to diversify the economy had created jobs, redistributed wealth and reduced inequalities.

“More children than ever before have access to quality education and more people have better access to health care and other social services,” he said.

Mkapa, who was speaking at a farewell dinner hosted by the Namibian President, said Nujoma’s commitment and contribution to regional integration through SADC was a good example that will forever be cherished.

President Mkapa arrived in Windhoek yesterday at the invitation of his host who is handing over the reigns of power to his successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba, today.

Pohamba was elected, last November, on the ticket of the party that has ruled Namibia since independence in 1990 – the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo). Nujoma will retain the chairmanship of the party until 2007.

During the freedom war, Swapo maintained strong military bases in Tanzania, which is considered the citadel of liberation struggle in Africa.

At yesterday’s dinner, President Mkapa said that Namibia has a strong democratic tradition and is at peace with its neighbours. He added that the country had come of age as a free and democratic state during Nujoma’s leadership.

“You have decided to step down voluntarily and hand the baton over to your successor in a smooth transition,” he said.

Mkapa compared Nujoma’s voluntary retirement with former Tanzania president Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s retirement, despite pressure from his supporters to stay on.

Mkapa said Nujoma has left office at a time when Namibians still love and respect him and thus he joins the ranks of retired elder African statesmen who had stepped aside when the going was good.

“On behalf of my SADC colleagues and the people of Tanzania, I congratulate you, President Nujoma, for successfully leading Namibia to freedom and to stability and development,” he said.

Mkapa also congratulated the president-elect Hifikepunye Pohamba and SWAPO for their resounding poll victory in last year’s general election.

SOURCE: Guardian

from: http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2005/03/21/35164.html