Namibia Minute.
24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Organization

BBC

BBC — global news organization that conducts investigative journalism on issues ranging from migration fraud to AI-generated exploitation to conflict reporting.

World & Region

China sets lowest economic growth target since 1991

The News

China has announced an annual economic growth target of 4.5–5%, the lowest since 1991, as it faces domestic challenges including weak consumption, a shrinking population, and property crisis, alongside global trade tensions and energy pressures. The target, released during China's "two sessions" political gathering, signals a shift to more flexible goals while Beijing pursues investments in innovation, green energy, and efforts to boost household consumption.

5 March 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 5 March

  1. China sets lowest economic growth target since 1991

    China has announced an annual economic growth target of 4.5–5%, the lowest since 1991, as it faces domestic challenges including weak consumption, a shrinking population, and property crisis, alongside global trade tensions and energy pressures. The target, released during China's "two sessions" political gathering, signals a shift to more flexible goals while Beijing pursues investments in innovation, green energy, and efforts to boost household consumption.

    5 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Sudan's civil war persists despite international peace efforts

    Almost three years into Sudan's conflict between the military-led government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a recent commercial flight to Khartoum signals potential normalcy, but the underlying causes of the war remain unresolved. Both sides view the conflict as existential, foreign powers continue supplying weapons, and analysts warn that without comprehensive mediation addressing root causes—including demilitarisation, constitutional reform, and accountability for war crimes—the conflict could drag on for decades and potentially splinter the nation.

    5 March 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 2 March

  1. Iran's regional attack kills one, disrupts global air travel

    One person was killed and 11 injured at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones across the Middle East in response to ongoing US and Israeli attacks. The strikes caused widespread damage to airports, hotels, and ports, forcing thousands of flights to be grounded in one of the largest travel disruptions since COVID-19.

    2 March 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 1 March

  1. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who ruled Iran for three decades, has been killed during the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on Iran, as announced by US President Donald Trump and confirmed by Iranian state TV. His death marks a significant and uncertain turning point for Iran and the wider region.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 26 February

  1. Ethiopia revokes independent news outlet Addis Standard

    Ethiopia's Media Authority revoked the licence of independent online outlet Addis Standard on 24 February, citing violations of media ethics and endangerment of national interests. The action is part of a broader crackdown on press freedom ahead of legislative elections in June, with journalists from Reuters, Deutsche Welle, and BBC also having credentials denied or not renewed in recent months.

    26 February 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Russian soldiers report witnessing executions, torture on Ukraine front

    Four Russian soldiers have told the BBC they witnessed commanders executing fellow troops for refusing orders, subjecting resisters to torture and starvation, and conducting waves of mass assaults they describe as suicide missions with devastating casualties.

    24 February 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 23 February

  1. Zelensky rejects ceasefire demands, warns Putin started World War Three

    Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has told the BBC that Vladimir Putin has already started World War Three and must be stopped through intense military and economic pressure, rejecting Russian demands for territorial concessions as abandonment of Ukrainian people and positions. Zelensky argues that a ceasefire allowing Putin to recover would only delay further conflict, and insists that Ukraine's victory depends on restoring its independence and borders, though he acknowledges this requires time, weapons support from Western partners, and security guarantees.

    23 February 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 19 February

  1. UK royal arrested over Epstein association and misconduct allegations

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles's younger brother, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following scrutiny over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations he may have passed confidential government documents to him. Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has consistently denied wrongdoing and expressed regret over their friendship.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Venezuela's acting leader balances US pressure and Chavista loyalists

    Delcy Rodríguez, the new Venezuelan leader, faces pressure from US President Trump while maintaining support from her socialist base. She has agreed to oil deals with the US while continuing anti-imperialist rhetoric to keep her Chavista coalition intact, though analysts say she retains some leverage over Trump through his need to present Maduro's removal as successful.

    18 February 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Kenya seeks agreement with Russia over recruitment of its nationals

    Kenya's Foreign Minister has called the recruitment of Kenyan citizens to fight in the Ukraine war "unacceptable and clandestine," and says Nairobi will urge Russia to sign a deal banning conscription of Kenyan soldiers. The Kenyan government estimates around 200 of its nationals have been recruited to fight for Russia, with 27 so far repatriated and authorities struggling to retrieve the remains of those killed.

    11 February 2026 · The Namibian

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