What role did SWAPO play in Namibia's fight for independence?

SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organisation) was the main political group leading Namibia's fight for independence from South Africa.

Established in 1960, SWAPO was initially a political party advocating for Namibia's independence from South Africa, which had been administering the territory since World War I under a League of Nations mandate. However, South Africa's refusal to relinquish control led SWAPO to adopt a more militant stance, launching an armed struggle in 1966 known as the Namibian War of Independence.

SWAPO's military wing, the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), carried out guerrilla warfare against South African forces. They received significant support from countries such as Zambia, Angola, and the Soviet Union, which provided training, arms, and safe havens for SWAPO fighters. The organisation also gained international recognition, with the United Nations recognising it as the 'sole legitimate representative' of the Namibian people in 1973.

SWAPO played a crucial role in mobilising international support for Namibia's independence. It presented the Namibian cause to the world, highlighting the injustices of South African rule and apartheid. This led to increased international pressure on South Africa to end its illegal occupation, culminating in the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 435 in 1978, which set out a plan for Namibia's transition to independence.

Despite facing significant challenges, including internal divisions and the brutal counter-insurgency tactics of the South African military, SWAPO remained committed to its goal of independence. Its resilience and determination were key factors in maintaining the momentum of the independence struggle.

In 1989, following a UN-supervised transition process, Namibia finally achieved independence, with SWAPO winning the majority of seats in the constituent assembly. The party's leader, Sam Nujoma, became the country's first President, marking the successful end of SWAPO's long fight for independence. Thus, SWAPO's role in Namibia's independence struggle was not only as the main force of resistance against South African rule, but also as the driving force behind the country's transition to independence and democracy.