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From World War I to Independence: What are the key events in the history of South West Africa?
South West Africa, now known as Namibia, has undergone many political changes, from being a German colony in 1884 until it officially gained independence in 1990. During this period of history, the people of South West Africa experienced war, foreign rule and struggle until the ultimate arrival of freedom.
Hardships during the German period
South West Africa was originally a German colony and was called German South West Africa (Deutsch-Südwestafrika). During this period, German rule faced several resistances, most notably an uprising led by guerrilla leader Jacobo Morenga. Germany's rule in the region was harsh, often leading to social unrest.
Under German rule, the people of South West Africa experienced extremely harsh governance and resistance struggles.
South African rule and international attention
During World War I, South Africa occupied German South West Africa in 1915. After the war, under the Treaty of Versailles, the area was designated a Category C mandate of the League of Nations, administered by South Africa. The South African government applied its own policy of apartheid to South and West Africa, further deepening social divisions.
The South African government introduced apartheid laws in the South West Africa region, making South West Africa a place where discrimination is vividly displayed.
UN involvement
As the international situation changed after World War II, tensions between South Africa and the United Nations became increasingly evident. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 2145, declaring that South Africa's mandate over South West Africa should be terminated, but South Africa continued to control the region illegally.
In a 1966 resolution, the United Nations stressed that South Africa must end its administrative jurisdiction in South West Africa.
The rise of the independence movement
In 1960, the people of South West Africa formed the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO), a movement that marked the strengthening of resistance. Over time, the organization gradually became the main voice in the struggle for independence and was granted observer status at the United Nations.
Changes in government structure
In 1978, the South African government convened a Transition Conference to explore internal solutions for South West Africa. Although SWAPO was not invited to attend this meeting, the outcome of the meeting attempted to establish a new system. Finally, in 1989, elections were held in South West Africa under UN supervision.
South West Africa has taken a historic step towards elections under a 1989 UN accord, paving the way for independence.
The journey to independence
On March 21, 1990, Namibia officially declared independence, ending more than 70 years of foreign rule. However, South African control of Walvis Bay and Penguin Island continued until 1994, illustrating the challenges of the road to independence.
Namibia's independence symbolizes the victory of the long struggle of the people of South West Africa and is also a response to the continued attention and efforts of the international community.
The history of South and West Africa tells us that the process of independence is not smooth sailing, which also makes us think: How many places in the world today are people fighting for freedom?
