Also known as: US · America · American · Washington · United States of America · The United States · the US · United States government · Beata America · Americans · U.S. · the 'Great Satan' · United States national cricket team · the USA · U.S.A.
Adam Hall (43) from Washington near Sunderland was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years after being found guilty of deliberately infecting five young men and two boys aged 15 and 17 with HIV through rape and grievous bodily harm between 2016 and 2023 in Newcastle.
Adam Hall (43) from Washington near Sunderland was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years after being found guilty of deliberately infecting five young men and two boys aged 15 and 17 with HIV through rape and grievous bodily harm between 2016 and 2023 in Newcastle.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on 25 March recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, with 123 votes in favour and 52 abstentions. Namibian subject experts say the vote bolsters local calls for justice regarding colonial-era genocide and reparations, and could pressure countries such as Germany to reconsider responses to demands of Namibians affected by the 1904 to 1908 genocide.
The world's largest condom maker, Karex, says it will raise prices by up to 30% or more if the Iran conflict continues to disrupt supplies of raw materials like ammonia and silicone-based lubricants that rely on oil. The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has also driven up costs for air fares, fertilizers, helium, and other goods globally.
Namibia has launched a national solidarity campaign backing Cuba and calling for an end to the United States' longstanding blockade, with National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stating that parliament stands united across political parties on the issue and describing the embargo as a violation of international law and sovereignty.
Namibia will access 100% duty-free entry into the Chinese market from 1 May 2026 under a "Pre-Early Harvest" arrangement. The government says the zero-tariff measure will boost industrialisation, strengthen export growth, and enhance Walvis Bay's role as a regional trade hub.
US President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon leaders were set to speak, but a Lebanese official told AFP the country had not been informed of any planned contact with Israel, and Netanyahu's office made no comment. The announcement follows the first direct diplomatic talks between the two countries since 1993, when their ambassadors met in Washington amid escalating conflict in Lebanon since Hezbollah's March attack on Israel.
Kenya's energy regulator has raised diesel and petrol prices to record levels, citing higher global oil and shipping costs exacerbated by conflict in Iran, even as the government cut value-added tax to cushion consumers. The increase occurs alongside a fuel quality scandal and reports of shortages, though officials say stocks are sufficient.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator and longtime friend of Ramaphosa, as ambassador to the United States. The appointment comes after the country's previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled last year following his criticism of President Trump, leaving the post vacant amid strained diplomatic relations.
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.
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.