On this day in 1990, Namibia was recognized as a sovereign nation

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South African President F.W. de Klerk during his speech in Windhoek, Namibia, March 21, 1990, where he handed over Namibia to Namibian President Sam Nujoma, seated left,during an independence ceremony. Namibia has been ruled by South Africa since 1915. (AP Photo/Staff/Parkin)
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White-ruled South Africa claimed possession of the territory now known as Namibia in 1920, after occupying the land, beginning in 1915, during World War I. Before South Africa entered, Namibia was known as the German colony of South-West Africa. After several rounds of tense negotiations, South Africa agreed to give up Namibia in 1988.

In 1989, elections were held and Namibia elected its first president. On March 20, 1990, Namibia held its official independence ceremony and was recognized as a sovereign nation.

Click ▶️ to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane

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