Namibia's new president

Jet, April 11, 2005

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Caption: NAMIBIA'S NEW PRESIDENT: Newly elected Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba (l) receives the government's symbols from outgoing President Sam Nujoma (c) during an inauguration ceremony at the National independence Stadium in the city of Windhoek. The event also marked the 15th anniversary of the country's independence, Namibia's founding father Nujoma, 75, handed power over to Pohamba, 69, his handpicked successor, after a 23-year independence war and three terms as president. Pohamba's ruling South West Africa People's Organization won 55 of the 72 seats in the legislature and presidential election last November. "I will now accept this mandate to lead the nation to greater heights of peace and stability," said Pohamba. As Namibia's second president, the former land affairs minister has promised to build on the development programs that Nujoma started and work to reduce unemployment, poverty, and hunger and fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the diamond-rich country.