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Theo-Ben GurirabNamibian statesman
Date of Birth: 23.01.1939
Country:  Namibia |
Content:
- Theo-Ben Gurirab: A Statesman's Legacy
- Political Exile and Academic Pursuits
- SWAPO Leadership and Diplomatic Career
- Role in Namibia's Independence
- Foreign Minister and Diplomatic Achievements
- Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament
- Recognition and Legacy
Theo-Ben Gurirab: A Statesman's Legacy
Early Life and EducationTheo-Ben Gurirab, a prominent Namibian statesman, was born in Usakos, Namibia, in 1939. After completing his teacher's diploma at Augustineum Teacher Training College in Okahandja in 1960, he embarked on a political journey that would shape his life and the destiny of his nation.
Political Exile and Academic Pursuits
In 1962, Gurirab went into political exile in Tanzania. In 1963, he received a United Nations scholarship to study in the United States, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969 and a master's degree in international relations in 1971.
SWAPO Leadership and Diplomatic Career
While studying in the US, Gurirab was appointed as one of three assistant representatives of SWAPO to the UN and the Americas. In 1972, he became SWAPO's representative to the UN. From 1986 to 1990, he served as SWAPO's Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Role in Namibia's Independence
As one of the first SWAPO leaders to return home in 1989, Gurirab played a pivotal role in organizing elections leading up to Namibia's independence. He was instrumental in the negotiations that led to the UN-mediated ceasefire agreement between South Africa and SWAPO in March 1989.
Foreign Minister and Diplomatic Achievements
From 1990 to 2002, Gurirab served as Namibia's first Minister of Foreign Affairs. His tenure was marked by significant diplomatic achievements, notably the inclusion of Walvis Bay and the Penguin Islands into Namibia in 1994. He was also elected President of the 54th session of the UN General Assembly from 1999 to 2000.
Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament
In August 2002, Gurirab was appointed Prime Minister by President Sam Nujoma. He held this position until March 2005. Following elections in 2004, he was elected Speaker of the National Assembly, serving from 2005 to 2015.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1999, Gurirab received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Namibia in recognition of his contributions to foreign policy and diplomacy. He was also President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union from 2008 to 2011.
Theo-Ben Gurirab passed away on July 14, 2018, leaving behind a legacy as a visionary statesman and a dedicated advocate for Namibia's independence and development.
