South West Africa Peoples Organization

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South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) Political organization formed (1960) in South West Africa (now Namibia). SWAPO's aim was to achieve independence for Namibia, and to this end declared itself at war with South Africa. Soon after Angola gained independence in 1975, SWAPO established guerrilla bases there. In 1978, these bases were attacked by South Africa. In 1981, truce talks in Geneva failed, and in 1984 SWAPO refused to cooperate with the rival Multi-Party Conference (MCP) in drawing up a timetable for independence. When independence was achieved, SWAPO fought a general election in 1989, and gained 57% of the votes and 75% of the seats in the constituent assembly. In 1990, SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma became president of Namibia. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1999.

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South West Africa Peoples Organization

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