Also known as: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio · Secretary of State Marco Rubio · secretary Rubio
US Secretary of State who congratulated Namibia on its 36th Independence Day in April 2026, pledging continued US collaboration on health and economic development.
News reports
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The Namibian
Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent congratulations to Namibia on Independence Day
“The message comes from American secretary of state, Marco Rubio, through a press release on Saturday.”
The United States congratulates Namibia on Independence DayThe Namibian
Rubio said the United States would continue to collaborate with Namibia on health and economic development
“He also says the United States would continue to collaborate with Namibia on issues of health and economic development.”
The United States congratulates Namibia on Independence DayThe Namibian
Marco Rubio said pressure is being applied to relevant parties regarding weapons supply
“"We know who the parties are that are involved (in weapons supply)," he said in November. "That's why they're part of the Quad along with other countries involved. Pressure is being applied to the relevant parties."”
The devastating conflict where both sides have reasons to keep fightingNew Era
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said United States attacked Iran pre-emptively after learning Israel would strike Iran
“Washington's top diplomat said the United States, which had built up its forces in the Gulf to levels not seen since its 2003 Iraq invasion, attacked only after learning that ally Israel was to strike Iran.”
Drones hit US embassyNew Era
Marco Rubio made observation some in international community condemn efforts to end wars
“"This is one of the few wars I've ever seen where some people in the international community condemn you for trying to help end a war."”
Opinion – Brits are sabotaging peaceNew Era
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met regional leaders at Caribbean Community summit
“At a recent Caribbean Community summit in Saint Kitts and Nevis, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met regional leaders amid mounting unease about the spillover effects of Cuba's deterioration.”
Nujoma foundation slams US economic siegeThe Namibian
Marco Rubio is believed to want to see Rodriguez's government overthrown
“Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, has an explicit anti-communist agenda and is believed to want to see her government overthrown.”
Under pressure from Trump, Venezuela's new president has aces up her sleeveThe Namibian
Marco Rubio said reaching a deal with Tehran would be very difficult
“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching a deal with Tehran would be "very difficult".”
Trump says he will be ‘indirectly' involved in Iran nuclear talksThe Namibian
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions would have to go beyond nuclear issue for 'something meaningful' to be achieved
“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the discussions would have to go beyond the nuclear issue for "something meaningful" to be achieved.”
US and Iran talks to begin as fears of direct conflict continueThe Namibian
Marco Rubio is secretary of state, anti-Cuban government hawk
“The Trump administration boasts several anti-Cuban government hawks, including secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is of Cuban descent.”
Cuban official accuses US of ‘piracy’ against sanctioned Caribbean islandPresident Trump said the US moved its bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK because of threats to the base, with the Pentagon confirming about a dozen B-1s were removed to American home stations. Trump indicated the US knew who made the threat but did not identify them.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump said the US moved its bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK because of threats to the base, with the Pentagon confirming about a dozen B-1s were removed to American home stations. Trump indicated the US knew who made the threat but did not identify them.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident that led to five men being arrested and then bailed. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the claim, saying the UK leader was "barking up the wrong tree."
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The UK imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, prompting Israel to shutter Britain's diplomatic mission to the Palestinians and ban British MPs from entering Israel. Eleven mostly European countries joined the trade ban, but the US response remained notably muted despite earlier suggestions from the US ambassador to Israel of potential American repercussions.
10 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade confirmed receiving communication from the United States regarding the country's position on the International Criminal Court, amid reports that the US is seeking to persuade African countries to withdraw from the ICC. The ministry reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to the Rome Statute and said differences relating to the ICC are best addressed through established legal, diplomatic and multilateral channels, without disclosing the contents of the US communication.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's government has rejected a US proposal for health data and specimen-sharing worth over N$145 million per year for HIV and tuberculosis programmes, citing sovereignty and privacy violations. The US withdrew the biological specimen component in November 2025, though data-sharing negotiations continue.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and the US are negotiating new health sector funding to determine the future of HIV financing in the country, with negotiations intensifying since US President Donald Trump's return to power and the dismantling of USAID. The talks are contentious over data-sharing provisions, with recipient countries concerned that deals tie health aid to data access and critical minerals, though a US government source claims negotiations do not include sharing of personally identifiable data.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
From 1 August, Namibians seeking US visas must travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town for interviews and processing, rather than applying at the US Embassy in Windhoek. The move is part of a US State Department restructuring reducing the number of African embassies and consulates authorised to process visas from almost 50 to 20 'hubs', framed as part of an immigration crackdown.
9 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale was found guilty of contempt of court for continuing construction of a US-funded 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at a military base in Nanyuki despite a High Court order to halt the project. The facility has sparked protests in which three people died as police attempted to disperse demonstrators.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Iran's World Cup team left Turkey for Mexico on Saturday ahead of the June 11 tournament start, days after the US refused to issue visas for some of the team's support staff. Iran's embassy said a "large" number of managerial and executive staff were denied visas and called for FIFA to hold the US accountable for what it termed discriminatory treatment.
6 June 2026 · The Namibian →
US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran will be "over quickly" and that he aims to end Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran said a US proposal to end the war is "still being considered"; Axios reported the White House is working toward a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran that could frame nuclear negotiations, with provisions including suspension of Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
US and Israeli military strikes damaged one of Iran's largest pharmaceutical companies producing cancer and anaesthetic drugs, as well as military and civilian infrastructure in Isfahan province, including UNESCO-listed heritage sites. The Iranian government said the pharmaceutical company's drug production line was damaged, while Israeli officials said they are prepared for weeks more fighting in the conflict that began in late February.
1 April 2026 · New Era →
Iran's parliament speaker warned that Iranian forces were "waiting for American soldiers" as 3,500 additional US troops arrived in the Middle East, threatening to "rain fire" on any forces attempting to enter Iranian territory. The deployment comes amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing for potential ground operations in Iran, though US officials have not confirmed whether troops will be deployed.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The United States extended congratulations to Namibia on its 36th Independence Day, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming bilateral ties and highlighting cooperation in health, economic development, and emerging opportunities.
23 March 2026 · Informanté →
The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent congratulations to Namibia on its 36th Independence Day. Rubio pledged continued US collaboration with Namibia on health and economic development.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Iran attacked US and Israeli targets across the Middle East, including hitting the US embassy in Riyadh with drones that breached air defences, as regional tensions escalated following earlier strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader. The US warned citizens to evacuate the entire Middle East region, with conflicts expanding to Lebanon and threatening oil infrastructure in the Gulf.
4 March 2026 · New Era →
According to an analysis by a Moscow State Institute lecturer, Britain is pursuing a strategy of prolonged conflict in Ukraine to maintain its role in Western European security, contradicting US efforts toward de-escalation and standing apart from Washington's push for burden-sharing among allies.
3 March 2026 · New Era →
The Sam Nujoma Foundation has described Cuba's worsening economic conditions as a "man-made humanitarian crisis" caused by intensified US sanctions that have morphed from a Cold War trade embargo into a complex web of financial and secondary sanctions. The crisis has deepened since Venezuela cut off oil supplies after January political changes, triggering rolling blackouts, medicine shortages and tourism decline that Cuban and regional officials warn threatens the island's survival and stability across the Caribbean.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
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 →
Donald Trump said he will be "indirectly" involved in talks between Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear programme, which are due to begin in Geneva. The talks follow repeated military threats and a US military build-up in the Middle East, with Iran's Foreign Minister saying a deal must not involve "submission before threats."
17 February 2026 · The Namibian →
China lodged "solemn representations" with the United States, Britain, Australia, and the European Union after they condemned the 20-year prison sentence given to pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai for national security crimes. Chinese officials said the ruling was legal and just, and urged countries to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs.
11 February 2026 · New Era →
Senior US and Iranian officials are meeting in Oman for direct negotiations as military tension rises following Iran's violent suppression of anti-government protests and a significant US military buildup in the Middle East. The talks, brokered by regional mediators, aim to de-escalate conflict, though the two countries remain divided on key issues including Iran's nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, and regional proxies.
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Cuba's ambassador to Colombia has accused the United States of "international piracy" and imposing a "marine siege" on the island by blocking Venezuelan oil shipments following a US military action against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Cuba has sought alternative oil suppliers including Mexico, though analysts warn the already struggling economy could face a breaking point and potential humanitarian crisis without Venezuelan oil.
25 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The US has formally withdrawn from the WHO, citing the organization's alleged mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic and political influence from member states. The withdrawal removes one of the WHO's largest donors and has already caused job losses at the agency, though the WHO disputes the US claims and says the withdrawal is a loss for both the US and the world.
24 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The 56th World Economic Forum opened in Davos this week with nearly 3,000 attendees, including 60 heads of state and government, focused on cooperation, growth and innovation. Africa's presence is being amplified through the Africa Collective Hub, which will highlight trade, investment and technology priorities, while the WEF announced plans to revive its Africa Summit in 2027 after a seven-year hiatus.
23 January 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump said the US has formed a "framework" for a potential deal on Greenland and the Arctic region after talks with NATO, abandoning threats to impose tariffs on European allies. Diplomatic sources indicated there was no agreement for American control of the autonomous Danish territory, though talks on mineral rights and military cooperation could continue.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →
US President Donald Trump met with major oil executives at the White House to encourage investment in Venezuela's oil reserves, saying his administration would decide which companies operate there. One CEO called Venezuela "uninvestable" without reforms, though analysts said Trump's push faces economic and strategic obstacles.
12 January 2026 · New Era →
Doctors at hospitals in Tehran and Shiraz told the BBC their facilities were overwhelmed with injuries as anti-government protests entered their second week, with at least 50 protesters reported killed. Iranian authorities issued coordinated warnings to protesters, while international leaders and US President Trump called for protection of the right to peaceful protest.
10 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro faced his first US court appearance days after being seized in a shock US military operation in Caracas. Trump said the US "needs total access" to Venezuela's oil, while interim leader Delcy Rodriguez offered to cooperate with Washington, though some opposition figures said the move fell short without political prisoner releases and recognition of the 2024 election results.
6 January 2026 · New Era →