Namibia declares state of emergency due to drought

President Nangolo Mbumba has declared a state of emergency regarding the current drought, effective 22 May 2024. Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform spokesperson, Jona Musheko says the declaration will allow the ministry to mobilise resources, and ensure that the necessary assistance is given to affected communities.

Namibia declared a state of emergency due to severe drought in 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024.

Rhingo Mutambo, chief public relations officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, said in a statement released on Tuesday that the drought poses a threat to the livelihoods of affected households, and this necessitates relief interventions to alleviate its negative impact.

According to Mutambo, additional resources are required to complement the government’s budget of N$ 825 million allocated for the drought relief program in the 2024/2025 financial year.

He called on the private sector, development partners, and the international community to assist the government with additional resources to fully implement the drought relief program and protect lives and livelihoods.