Pohamba tells his own story in autobiography

Namibia's second president Hifikepunye Pohamba, who led the country from from 2005 to 2015, launched his autobiography in Windhoek on Monday.

Not only were President Nangolo Mbumba and other political dignitaries in attendance, but so were many other notable faces, all to celebrate the life's work of the now 89-year-old Pohamba.

The book, titled 'Footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba', is over 400 pages long and, according to Pohamba, is a contribution to documenting Namibia’s liberation history. The book is based on many interviews Professor Ellen Ndeshi Namhila conducted with the former president over the last five years.

The book covers Pohamba's childhood, complex family relationships, the country's struggle for independence, national development after 1990 and his time as president.

“Reporting about your own life is a complex undertaking that often evokes mixed feelings,” Pohamba said on Monday. He described the writing process as challenging and therapeutic in equal measure.

Former information minister Ben Amathila - who has been friends with Pohamba for over 60 years - spoke about their shared experiences during the liberation struggle. Pohamba was imprisoned and tortured during apartheid and later went into exile.