SADC Parliamentary Forum Urges Action on Human Rights

SADC Parliamentary Forum Urges Action on Human Rights

On Human Rights Day 2024, the SADC Parliamentary Forum issued a statement highlighting the urgent need for action on human rights across Southern Africa. The forum aligns with the international theme, 'Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,' urging governments to ensure the protection of civil, political, and socio-economic rights, especially the right to health and access to essential medicines. The forum also calls for stability in the pricing […]

December 11, 2024 5

Local

STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2024

Dear Members, Parliamentarians, and Partners, It is with esteem and honour that I release this Statement on Human Rights Day 2024, a day that is cardinal to the Strategic initiatives of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. The Forum associates itself with the theme espoused by the international community, "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now," which demonstrates the urgent need for action to implement and enforce human rights. Today, human rights […]

December 11, 2024 7

Africa

Opposition leader calls for week of protests in Mozambique

Mozambique's opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has called for another week of protests starting 4 December 2024, accusing the government of election fraud. According to Bloomberg, the unrest, already marked by violence and economic disruptions, has resulted in dozens of deaths and threatened a major gas project. Police have responded with force, including live bullets, drawing international criticism.

December 4, 2024 16

Namibian Elections 2024

SADC sees regional decline in support for liberation movements

The Swapo party has retained power in Namibia's recent elections, but it recorded its weakest performance since independence in 1990. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as the country’s first female president. Swapo secured 51 of 96 parliamentary seats, garnering 53.4% of the vote—a sharp decline from the 65.5% it achieved in 2019. The party’s reduced majority reflects growing public frustration over unemployment, corruption, and inequality. The Independent Patriots for Change […]

December 4, 2024 28

Africa

Zambian Miners Rescued After Nationwide Power Outage

Reuters reports that miners at two Zambian copper mines were successfully rescued after being trapped underground during a nationwide power outage, the energy ministry confirmed on Monday. The blackout, caused by a power system disturbance, also impacted Zimbabwe, according to Zambia's state utility, Zesco. Both countries are grappling with extended electricity rationing as a severe regional drought continues to disrupt hydropower generation, marking one of the worst droughts in decades.

November 26, 2024 11

Nam Elections 2024

Namibia’s choice: Stability vs radical change

Image contributed: Electoral Commission of Namibia By Johnathan Beukes Given Namibia’s increasing international importance and considering its strategic location, its standing in the region, and its potential newfound oil wealth, the southern African nation’s Presidential and National Assembly elections this week will be watched keenly across the planet. Wednesday's elections are unfolding against a backdrop of shifting political dynamics, both internationally and within Southern Africa. While the focus in recent […]

November 25, 2024 18

Africa

Zambia calls for regional action to address energy shortage

Speaking at the 30th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for Southern Africa, held in Livingston, Zambia this week, the country’s Energy Secretary, Peter Mumba, called for urgent action to resolve the energy deficit facing the region. With nearly half of Southern Africa’s population lacking access to electricity, Mumba stressed the importance of regional collaboration to tackle the energy crisis and climate change, while addressing the […]

November 21, 2024 22

Africa

SADC Extends Troop Deployment in DRC by One Year

Southern Africa’s regional bloc, SADC, has extended its troop deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo by another year, continuing efforts to support the government in its fight against rebel groups, according to Reuters. The mission, which began in December 2023, aims to address the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in the country, a key producer of metals like cobalt and copper.

November 21, 2024 18

2

Local

NUST Appoints Namibia Energy Institute Director

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andreas Elombo as the Director of the Namibia Energy Institute (NEI). The NEI is housed at NUST and is dedicated to energy research, education, and training, addressing energy challenges in Namibia and the broader Southern African region. It focuses on key areas such as renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, energy policy and regulation, […]

November 12, 2024 18 2