Transition to Independence - Namibia

Namibia's transition to independence was a very long and agonizingly slow process, fraught with international diplomatic manoeuvring, that lasted from the mid-1970s until 21 March 1990. On that date the country was officially granted sovereignty and independence, and Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the first President of Namibia.

On 1 March 1994, following three years of negotiations, South Africa transferred control of Walvis Bay and 12 islands to the Namibian government. The peaceful resolution in 1994 of this territorial dispute - which originated in 1878 - was praised by the international community.

Since independence, Namibia has been at peace with its neighbours.

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