Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Politics

Local authority officials should face fair accountability without intimidation

The News

Nalao president Moses Matyayi has called for local authority officials to be held accountable through fair, transparent processes based on due process and key performance areas, while protecting professional independence from political interference. He noted ongoing financial challenges in local authorities and difficulties retaining skilled professionals, urging stakeholders to address root causes rather than symptoms.

15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Local authority officials should face fair accountability without intimidation

    Nalao president Moses Matyayi has called for local authority officials to be held accountable through fair, transparent processes based on due process and key performance areas, while protecting professional independence from political interference. He noted ongoing financial challenges in local authorities and difficulties retaining skilled professionals, urging stakeholders to address root causes rather than symptoms.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Outapi leaders criticised for undisclosed Windhoek trip

    Outapi's mayor, chief executive, and management committee chair travelled to Windhoek from 7–10 April without informing the full council of the trip's purpose, according to a local councillor who learned about it through social media. The City of Windhoek later confirmed it was a benchmarking visit focused on crime prevention and informal trading management.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. President says Namibia overregulated like developed country

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described Namibia's regulatory environment as too rigid and unsuited to a developing economy, citing it as one of her biggest challenges. She called for reform and a shift in work culture and mindset, including moving away from rigid 08h00–17h00 schedules, to drive meaningful economic transformation.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia tightens qualification rules for procurement bid evaluators

    The Central Procurement Board of Namibia has introduced stricter procedures for appointing bid evaluation committee members, requiring accredited qualifications, police certificates of conduct, compulsory training, and competency assessments to ensure integrity and transparency in public procurement.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Minister Nekundi presents N$592.9m Works budget for 2026/27

    Minister Veikko Nekundi presented the 2026/2027 budget allocation of N$592.972 million for the Department of Works to the National Assembly, with N$499 million for operational costs and N$93.972 million for capital investment. The budget addresses public infrastructure development, government asset management, and maintenance of state facilities across five programmes.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Minister Kantema presents N$417.2m gender equality and child welfare budget

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has been allocated N$417.2 million for the 2026/2027 financial year to advance gender equity, child protection, and women's economic empowerment across Namibia. In the past year, the ministry supported 347 survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking, accommodated 329 street children in boarding schools, and expanded early childhood development enrolment from 110,726 to 126,213 across the country.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Minister opens Traditional Authorities Act reform workshop

    Minister Sankwasa opened a consultative workshop in Otjiwarongo to review and amend the Traditional Authorities Act 2000 and the Council of Traditional Leaders Act 1997. The minister cited ongoing problems including leadership disputes, proliferation of communities seeking recognition, and the misuse of the Acts for political purposes rather than preserving traditions and cultures.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. National Council convenes to address deputy minister appointments

    The National Council held a special sitting to address seven new deputy ministerial appointments made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, requiring the reconstitution of standing committees and the reallocation of committee leadership roles under the council's standing rules.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Deputy minister appointments spark debate over costs and efficiency

    Political analysts have questioned President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of seven deputy ministers, arguing the move contradicts her cost-cutting agenda and duplicates administrative roles rather than improving service delivery. Supporters counter that merged ministries require deputy ministers for parliamentary accountability, though critics contend the appointments reward campaign loyalists rather than serve governance needs.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. President, unions, employers agree on tripartite May Day

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with trade union leaders and agreed to jointly organize Workers' Day with employers on a tripartite basis involving government, workers, and employers—a historic shift from labour-led celebrations. This year's May Day will focus on reskilling, upskilling, and value addition as key drivers of job creation and economic growth.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  11. Government reviews Traditional Authorities Act to halt fragmentation

    Namibia's Traditional Authorities Act and Council of Traditional Leaders Act are undergoing review to address growing concerns about splinter groups seeking independent recognition based on geography rather than shared ancestry and culture. Minister James Sankwasa said the current laws, in place for over two decades, must be reformed to distinguish between chiefs and community leaders and prevent the framework from being exploited for political purposes.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  12. Former governor James Uerikua to be buried Sunday

    Former Otjozondjupa governor and parliamentarian James Unomasa Uerikua and his son Venturo, who died in an Easter weekend road accident, will be buried on Sunday at Otjiserandu in the Gam district. Memorial services are being held in Windhoek and along the funeral route to allow communities to pay respects.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  13. Gciriku leadership dispute remains unresolved after minister's consultations

    Minister James Sankwasa visited Rundu to help resolve a years-long succession dispute over the Gciriku Traditional Authority following the death of Hompa Kassian Shiyambi in 2019, but a consultation session ended without naming a successor. The minister indicated that additional stakeholders must be heard and that customary law, rather than courts, should determine the leadership outcome, while the vacancy continues to block land allocation and traditional administration functions.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  14. Kunene governor tackles traditional leadership disputes

    Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua says competing claims for chieftaincy positions are hampering governance, delaying recognition of chiefs, and slowing development in the region. He is leading consultative meetings to resolve disputes within traditional authorities through dialogue and inclusivity.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  15. Education minister vows crackdown on recruitment corruption

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has pledged to eliminate unfair and corrupt recruitment practices within her ministry, citing persistent complaints about favouritism, bias and lack of transparency. She stressed that all appointments must be fair, transparent and competitive, and called on senior managers to ensure hiring processes comply with established policies and ethical standards.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Namibia seeks Chinese partnership for resource value addition

    Minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi called for stronger collaboration with China to add value to Namibia's natural resources and address the country's trade deficit, noting that Namibia exports mostly raw materials like uranium, copper, and fish while importing high-value finished goods. She highlighted Namibia's opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and tourism, and positioned the country as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub supported by Port of Walvis Bay expansion and enhanced border infrastructure.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek commercial building approvals surge in February

    More commercial and industrial building plans were approved in Windhoek in February than at the same time last year, with IJG Securities reporting that the sharp monthly increase points to renewed developer confidence and improving construction follow-through.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibian youth develop AI tool for media data analysis

    A team of young innovators created a prototype at a 48-hour hackathon that uses artificial intelligence to help media organisations interpret operational and commercial data more effectively, enabling faster and better-informed decisions.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  4. Transport operator builds business to support eight family members

    Francisco Tunga, who lost his job with a tour company, started a small transport business with one car that has grown to employ three other drivers providing shuttle services, school transport and deliveries around Windhoek. After a decade in the transport sector, he supports at least eight family members through the business and continues to expand despite lack of government support.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Intwiza Events Management builds entertainment business through persistence and relationships

    Sylvester Simubali founded Intwiza Events Management in 2018, specialising in event planning, sound engineering and artist management while promoting local and international performers and cultural events across Namibia. Despite running the business for over a decade alongside a full-time job, he has bootstrapped the enterprise independently without government funding, citing commitment, connections and support as essential to growth in the competitive entertainment sector.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. Capricorn, Bank Windhoek launch emerging bankers training programme

    The Capricorn Foundation and Bank Windhoek have launched the 2026/2027 Emerging Bankers Programme, which provides 13 young Namibians with 18 months of workplace exposure, certified training and mentoring, funded with N$3.24 million. The programme, which started in 2024, targets school leavers from small towns and remote areas lacking access to tertiary education and aims to address youth unemployment in the financial services sector.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Ondangwa council pursues investment growth through land pricing and efficiency

    The Ondangwa Town Council is implementing a strategy to attract investors through competitive land pricing (55% reduction on industrial land), streamlined administration (4-day business registrations, 7-day building approvals), and infrastructure expansion including a sports stadium and district hospital. The council is also supporting local small enterprises and using public procurement to circulate spending within the local economy.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Outapi market vendors owe council five million namibia dollars

    Market vendors in Outapi owe the town council about N$5 million, with debt accumulated largely due to Covid-19's impact on business. The council has offered payment arrangements and approved a debt amnesty programme, and plans to relocate street sellers to a new open market.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Namibia urges Chinese investors to process minerals locally

    International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has called on Chinese investors to move beyond buying raw materials and instead invest in local industries such as minerals processing, agriculture, and manufacturing to help reduce Namibia's persistent trade deficit and create jobs. The minister noted that Namibia exports minerals including uranium and copper to China while importing manufactured goods, and stressed that adding value to resources locally is critical for closing the trade gap and creating economic benefits.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. CIF Golf Classic returns April 2026 with industry sponsorship

    The Construction Industries Federation's annual Golf Classic is scheduled for 24 April 2026 at Windhoek Golf Club, with Hardrock Earthworks as naming rights sponsor and support from other industry partners. The event aims to bring together contractors, suppliers and business leaders in a two-ball alliance format, with team registrations at N$10 000 and prizes valued at approximately N$163 000.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Sintana Energy to list on Namibia Securities Exchange

    Sintana Energy, a Canadian company listed on the London Stock Exchange, has announced plans to trade on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX). The company aims to give Namibians an opportunity to invest directly in offshore oil developments.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. US blockade of Iranian ports threatens global oil supplies

    US president Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of an oil shock by threatening supplies particularly to Asia. The blockade follows recent US-Israel military action and threatens to disrupt Iran's crude exports at a time when shipments have been helping ease global market pressure, with oil prices already jumping 8% in response to the announcement.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Student gardener challenges lazy stigma with horticulture project

    Andreas Ncame, a 21-year-old transport and logistics student in Kafuma village, started a small-scale horticulture project growing maize, cabbage, onions and other vegetables to support himself and his family, earning up to N$700 a day. Despite facing challenges such as water access and crop theft, Ncame is seeking government support for a generator and dam to expand the project and create youth employment opportunities.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Heavy rainfall road closures strain //Kharas east farmers, workers

    Road closures in the //Kharas region caused by heavy rainfall have disrupted local farmers' access to markets and workers' commutes to jobs, with alternative routes adding significant travel time and costs. The Roads Authority is assessing damage and advising the public to use alternative routes and report road deterioration.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Tsumeb hotel owner accused of firing staff without full pay

    Multiple former employees of Oxford hotel in Tsumeb allege the owner fired them without compensation for work completed, citing reasons ranging from failing to inform him of customers to seeking medical treatment. The hotel owner denies most allegations, claiming only one worker was fired for theft and the rest were unpaid interns.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry shelters 347 GBV and trafficking survivors in past year

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare sheltered 347 survivors of gender-based violence, child abuse and trafficking in the past year through counselling and designated safe places. The ministry, allocated N$417 million for 2026/27, also accommodated 520 children in homes and shelters, provided psychosocial support to over 5,000 children, and recruited 21 additional social workers to strengthen response services.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. UNAM team advances to Global HackAtom nuclear innovation finals

    The University of Namibia's NamHack Innovators team won Namibia's national round of the Global HackAtom 2026 competition and secured a spot at the international grand final in Russia. The 24-hour hackathon challenged teams to design solutions for sustainable energy supply in southern Africa's coastal regions using nuclear technology.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Mother struggles to afford care for TB meningitis survivor

    An Okahandja mother has spent the past 10 years caring for her son, who contracted TB meningitis at six months old and spent nearly two years at Katutura State Hospital, including one year in the ICU. Despite his progress in speech and development, Daniel continues to face severe health challenges and requires expensive specialized milk, nappies, and regular hospital treatment, which the family cannot fully afford on social grants alone.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. PM Ngurare defends VIP wards plan as healthcare upgrade

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare dismissed claims that planned VIP wards at public hospitals would create a two-tier healthcare system, saying the government's objective is to upgrade public health services accessible to all Namibians and that the controversy has been "dramatised". Opposition lawmakers questioned whether the initiative contradicts government policy on equality, with some arguing it risks reinforcing inequality within public healthcare.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibian lawyer launches workplace rights podcast

    Vicky ya Toivo, a labour and employment lawyer, has launched 'WorkLifeNamibia', a podcast that explains workers' rights and employers' responsibilities in simple, practical terms. The series covers topics including wages, minimum wage, and employee leave, aiming to help people understand labour laws before workplace disputes arise.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Two academics shortlisted for Nust vice-chancellor role

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology has shortlisted Unam pro-vice chancellor Frednard Gideon and NCRST chief executive Anicia Peters for the vacant vice-chancellor position. The university has operated under acting leadership since October last year after the previous vice-chancellor was suspended on misconduct allegations.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Okahandja woman seeks identity help to bury partner

    An Okahandja woman is appealing for help to bury her partner of nine years, who died in hospital in March but remains unidentified after authorities found no official records of him despite fingerprint checks. Social workers are investigating through community connections, and the woman hopes public appeal will help trace his family or origin.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Civil servants face Psemas reforms, reapply by August deadline

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has ordered civil servants to reapply for Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme benefits by end of August following reforms to the scheme's operations. Trade unions have criticized the lack of consultation and warned that reported increases in medical aid contributions could severely impact civil servants' finances.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Man killed in donkey cart accident in Omusati region

    A 28-year-old man died when his donkey cart hit a tree stump and overturned in Otamanzi village on Sunday morning. His passenger sustained slight injuries, according to Omusati police.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Namibia's curriculum reform created education system crisis

    Namibia's 2015 curriculum reform introduced O-level and AS-level exits at secondary level, but poor coordination between basic and higher education ministries left universities applying inconsistent admission standards, fragmenting the system and undermining the reform's intended quality improvements. The article warns this threatens qualification credibility and teacher education standards.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. African health worker migration rooted in colonial power structures

    A health education researcher argues that the migration of healthcare workers from poorer to wealthier countries is not simply driven by individual choice, but is shaped by colonial legacies and global inequality. Solutions require African governments to invest in local retention and working conditions, while high-income countries must reduce reliance on international recruitment and reform global knowledge hierarchies that devalue non-Western expertise.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Bank Windhoek sponsors Namcol prize ceremony for top achievers

    Bank Windhoek sponsored Namibian College of Open Learning's annual prize ceremony recognizing exceptional students in 2025 national examinations, with awards including certificates, tablets and monetary prizes for category winners across NSSCO and AS levels.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  14. Government launches expanded youth skills and funding programmes

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced expanded government programmes to address youth unemployment through training, skills development, and funding. The initiatives include mushroom cultivation and biomass training, the Youth Credit Scheme, and the Youth Development Fund, which has approved 211 projects worth N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  15. Teen with leukaemia fights on despite financial and health struggles

    Catherine Mayumbelo, an 18-year-old from Aus, was diagnosed with leukaemia in May and must travel to Cape Town for a bone marrow transplant. Her family is financially strained by monthly medical visits to Windhoek and appeals for public assistance to cover the estimated N$210,000 cost of the transplant journey.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  16. Cataract surgical campaign aims to restore sight for 500 patients

    A week-long cataract surgical campaign in Zambezi and Kavango East regions will restore vision to approximately 500 cataract-blind patients, with local surgical teams and international volunteers from Germany and America performing the operations. The campaign, launched by Zambezi regional governor Dorothy Kabula, has already operated on over 200 patients in its first three days.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  17. Third Living Health Expo brings solutions to Windhoek this weekend

    The Living Health Expo, themed 'Healthy Living. Healthy Food. For All', takes place 17–18 April at Dagbreek School and aims to showcase practical solutions for healthier living and local food systems in response to Namibia's rising food costs, health concerns and economic pressures. The two-day event will feature talks, workshops and interactive exhibitions focused on five pillars: food, water, energy, shelter and health.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Namibian learners win German trips at annual language competition

    The Goethe-Institut Namibia's annual German Language Competition saw 39 learners from 21 schools compete, with two winners awarded three-week trips to Germany and others receiving laptops and headsets. The competition, organised with the German-Namibian Society, has run for nearly 40 years to promote German language learning among Grade 10 and 11 students.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Cheetah conservationist Laurie Marker wins lifetime research award

    Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award by Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology. Over 35 years, Marker has built the Cheetah Research and Education Centre in Otjiwarongo into a multidisciplinary hub that has trained generations of Namibian researchers and contributed significantly to scientific literature and conservation efforts.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Deputy minister presents youth, sports budget for 2026/27

    Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Khomas captain reflects on pressure, loss at netball tournament

    Khomas under-20 netball captain Hiturepi Kahuikee discusses how leadership requires setting an example on and off court, after her team lost 35–28 to Kavango East in the final of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup. Despite the defeat, Kahuikee emphasises the team's resilience, character development, and lessons learned about mental preparation and staying focused under pressure.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. NLV Stuttgart-Vaihingen wins Cohen Fistball Club 60th anniversary tournament

    German Bundesliga team NLV Stuttgart-Vaihingen defeated fellow German side TSV Calw 3-2 in the final of an international fistball tournament held in Windhoek celebrating Cohen Fistball Club's 60th anniversary, marking the first trophy won on African soil in their club's history.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia U-17 women face Kenya in World Cup qualifier

    Namibia's under-17 women's football team travels to Kenya to play the second leg of a FIFA Under-17 World Cup qualifier, needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit. Coach Woody Jacobs expressed optimism despite the challenge, noting that Namibia's second-half performance in the first leg showed they can compete with Kenya.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Atletico Madrid eliminates Barcelona, advances to Champions League semis

    Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in their Champions League quarterfinal tie, reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2017. Despite losing the second leg 2-1, Atletico's 2-0 first-leg advantage and Lookman's goal held firm as Barcelona finished with 10 men after Eric Garcia's red card.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. PSG eliminate Liverpool from Champions League with 4-0 aggregate

    Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, completing a 4-0 aggregate win. Ousmane Dembele scored twice as PSG kept Liverpool, who finished fifth in the Premier League and trophyless, at arm's reach.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Arsenal manager warns against fatigue excuse before Sporting match

    Mikel Arteta has rejected fatigue as an excuse for Arsenal's recent poor form, urging his side to beat Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final second leg despite injuries and a gruelling fixture schedule. Arsenal hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg and are also preparing for a crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester City on Sunday.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Dolphins dominate opening NRU Premier League match

    Coastal rugby outfit Dolphin defeated Western Suburbs 45-21 in Swakopmund on Saturday, scoring seven tries in an impressive start to their 2026 NRU Premier League campaign despite discipline concerns. The victory sees Dolphin move into second place on the log level on six points with Kudus, who lead on goal difference.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Mariental SC suffers first SSFD defeats after weekend losses

    Southern Stream First Division leaders Mariental SC lost twice in one weekend—2-1 to Try Again FC and 1-0 to Dates Eleven—but remain top of the log with 38 points. Head coach Marvin Mbakera said the defeats test the team's character but the club will respond positively, emphasizing that the title race is far from over.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. Walvis Bay boxer Errikie wins WBC youth title

    Twenty-one-year-old Errikie Errikie from Walvis Bay has claimed the vacant WBC Silver Youth Junior Lightweight title by defeating Lonwabo Sizana in the fourth round in Gqeberha, South Africa. He credited the victory to careful analysis of his opponent's style, disciplined training, and the support of his father, coach Jose Kambinda, and family.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  11. Graduate pledges to develop rural sports in Namibia

    Mervin Tjivikara Kamenje, an executive member of the Namibia Rural Sport Development Federation, has graduated with a qualification in Sports Education and Practice from AIMS School of Sports in Windhoek and won the Best Overall Performer award. Kamenje plans to use his qualification and expertise in athletics to strengthen grassroots sports development, bridge the gap for athletes after high school, and expand rural sports beyond football and netball.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Minister emphasises sustainable fisheries at Lüderitz Crayfish Festival gala

    Minister Inge Zaamwani delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival fundraising gala, emphasising Namibia's commitment to sustainable marine resource management and the festival's role in supporting local employment, tourism, and coastal community development.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry restricts Deadvlei access to authorised shuttle services

    The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced that self-driving tourists will no longer be permitted to access Deadvlei at Sossusvlei; instead, all visitors must use authorised shuttle services provided by About Adelt Sossusvlei Management or lodge-based tour guides, effective 1 May.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Dozens killed as severe flooding sweeps across Angola

    Heavy rains in recent days have caused flooding in Luanda, Benguela, and other Angolan cities, killing at least 39 people and affecting over 51,000 people. The floods have damaged thousands of homes and critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, and utilities, prompting President João Lourenço to declare the country in a "race against the clock" to rescue and aid those affected.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. China condemns US naval blockade of Iranian ports

    China's foreign ministry has called the US naval blockade of Iranian ports "irresponsible and dangerous," saying it undermines a fragile ceasefire and jeopardises safety in the Strait of Hormuz. The move threatens China's oil supply and comes as analysts say the US is attempting to pressure Beijing to encourage Iran to reopen the critical waterway.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Trapped Sudanese journalist breaks silence after three years in besieged city

    Mohamed Suleiman, a journalist trapped in Sudan's el-Fasher for three years by a communications blackout during the civil war, finally reached Port Sudan in January and reconnected with the world. His account documents systematic killings, famine conditions, and the inability of the international community to stop the fighting or provide adequate humanitarian aid.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Benin's Romuald Wadagni wins presidency with 94% of vote

    Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni has won Benin's presidential election with more than 94% of the vote, based on 90% of ballots counted, after the main opposition party failed to field a candidate. The 49-year-old was chosen by outgoing president Patrice Talon and faced only one challenger, Paul Hounkpè, who conceded the election.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. South Africa's DA party elects young new leader to broaden appeal

    Geordin Hill-Lewis, 39, has become leader of South Africa's second-largest Democratic Alliance party, tasked with extending its support beyond its predominantly white and minority voter base to the black majority who make up about 80% of the population. Hill-Lewis has acknowledged a "trust deficit" and says winning the trust of more black South Africans will be his main focus, supported by a more diverse and younger senior leadership team than his predecessors.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. UN passes slavery resolution as crime against humanity

    The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on 25 March declaring the transatlantic slave trade and system of chattel slavery "the gravest crime against humanity," with 123 votes in favour, three against, and 52 abstentions. Ghana led the effort, which marks a shift in global discourse from historical remembrance to institutional accountability and reparatory justice, though major nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and EU members abstained, reflecting continued international unease about acknowledgment and potential liability.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Sudan drone strikes kill nearly 700 in early 2024

    The UN aid chief reported that nearly 700 civilians were killed in drone strikes in Sudan in the first three months of 2024, as the three-year civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has created what the UN calls the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with over 11 million displaced and nearly 34 million people requiring humanitarian support.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

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