Namibia celebrates 20th independence with re-elected president’s swearing in

Namibia celebrates 20th independence anniversary

WINDHOEK, Namibia — Namibia marked the 20th anniversary of independence from apartheid-era South Africa on Sunday and swore in President Hifikepunye Pohamba for a second five-year term.

More than 50 regional and world leaders watched military parades at the main sports stadium when Pohamba repeated the oath of office, the official Namibia Press Agency reported.

Along with South African President Jacob Zuma, guests included Martti Athisaari of Finland, the former chief United Nations representative here before independence ended two decades of guerrilla war against South African forces.

Pohamba, head of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organization and the independent nation’s second president, won elections in 2004 and 2009.

Citing economic growth and gains in health and education services, Pohamba also called for unity in the population of about 2 million in an inaugural address.

“Just as unity was vital during the liberation struggle, it is still a very important element for the implementation of our common objectives,” he said.

He reappointed Prime Minister Nahas Angula to continue in the post and was expected to announce a new cabinet later, the official press agency said.

Under the constitution of the once German colony, Pohamba, a loyalist of Namibia’s founding president, former guerrilla leader Sam Nujumo, holds office until 2015 after a maximum of two presidential terms.