independence Archives -

Happy Namibia National Day

March 21st marks the day in which Namibia became an independent nation in 1990. It was colonized by the Germans in the latter half of the 19th Century as German South West Africa. Post-World War One, it became a mandate of the League of Nations under the administration of South Africa. Even after the League of Nations gave way to the United Nations, South Africa remained in control notwithstanding UN resolutions until 1990.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued the following statement today on Namibia National Day:

On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States of America, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Namibian people as you celebrate 33 years of independence on March 21.
The people of the United States and Namibia share a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and good governance. Our strong partnership promoting the health of our citizens underpins our continuing cooperation to combat the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic. In the coming year, we intend to expand our bilateral ties in priority areas such as the climate crisis, green economic growth, as well as increased commerce and trade. As we envision building a stronger bilateral relationship, we are committed to partnering with Namibia to combat the greatest challenges of our time for the benefit of both our peoples.
We send our best wishes for a peace, prosperity, and a joyous Independence Day.

Independence was a result of the Tripartite Accord brokered by the Reagan Administration in 1988. It involved South Africa, Cuba, and Angola. South Africa would grant Namibia its independence and remove its troops from parts of Angola while the Cubans would leave Angola entirely. South Africa would also recognize UN Security Resolution 435 which called for a cease-fire and UN supervised elections in South West Africa (Namibia).

An interesting sidelight to all of this was told to me at the Dallas Safari Club Convention last year. Alex Oelofse of Jan Oelofse Hunting Safaris related to me how his family’s lodge situated about 200 km north of Windhoek was used in these negotiations. Representatives of the US, South Africa, Cuba, Angola, and the UN needed a place to meet out of the media limelight so they used their lodge in the Okonjati Game Reserve. The late Jan Oelofse served as the primary animal wrangler in John Wayne’s 1962 movie Hatari.

I do hope to get to Namibia sometime in the next few years. From everything I’ve seen and everything I’ve heard, it is a beautiful country with abundant game. Just as importantly, it is one of the safer countries in Africa.

A Nice Way To Honor 100 Years Of Finnish Independence

2017 marks the 100th year of Finnish independence. They had been a part of the Kingdom of Sweden until 1809 when they were ceded to Russia as the Grand Duchy of Finland. With the October Revolution and the overthrow of the Czar, the Finns declared their independence.

Now a musical interlude to set the mood and what would be more appropriate than Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia.

To commemorate this momentous event, the Finnish firearms company Sako is releasing a limited edition of their TRG 22 sniper rifle in white snow camo.

A special commemorative knife will come with the rifle as well as extra magazines, a bipod, and a case.

I’m sure some people, though not my readers, would be aghast that a company would release a firearm to commemorate 100 years of a free Finland. To those people I would say remember the Winter War and the role that snipers played in keeping the Red Army at bay. Indeed, one sniper, Simo Häyhä, is credited with over 500 kills in a 100 day period using a Mosin-Nagant with iron sights.

Sako was founded a few short years after independence and has played a significant role in the indigenous firearms industry in Finland. They are now part of the Beretta Group.

This press release announcing the TRG-22 “Finland 100” gives more details:

A RARE COLLECTOR’S ITEM FROM SAKO INSPIRED BY FINLAND’S 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Sako is manufacturing a limited edition of numbered Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” sniper rifles with white camouflage, designed in the spirit of Finnish persistence to celebrate fFnland’s 100 years of independence. This jubilee model will become a collector’s item.

SAKO, which started as a gunsmith’s shop for the White Guard’s joint chiefs of staff and has evolved into a globally renowned manufacturer of rifles and ammunition, has been an important element of the history of independent Finland. Now SAKO wants to pay homage to its traditions and above all to its 100-year old homeland by manufacturing a numbered series of 100 Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” sniper rifles.

The TRG 22 “Finland 100” jubilee model is offered in .308 Win caliber. The white snow camouflage colouring of the stock and barrelled action of this real collector’s item reflects the severity of the Finnish winter, and, also pays homage to the heroes of the Winter War who saved Finland’s independence in demanding conditions – and relied on Sako products even then.

The Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” sniper rifle has the text “Finland 100”, and the gun’s serial number is laser-engraved on its frame. The rifle is packaged in a carry case with a jubilee knife with the same engravings as the rifle itself. The jubilee model also comes with two magazines, bipod, muzzle brake and removable open sights.

Sako is retaining part of the series for its own use, for example to be sold in charity auctions. However, part of the series of 100 guns will also be available for sale. Those interested in the Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” collector’s item should enquire from the importers of Sako products in their respective countries.

I was fortunate enough to visit Finland in 1978 while in college. I regret that I’ve never had a chance to return as it was a beautiful country. I still have my Leuko reindeer knife as a reminder.