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Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah poised to become first female president

Africa /

Namibia’s Vice President Could Make History as First Female President Namibia’s Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, could become the country’s first female president if she wins the upcoming presidential election on Wednesday. Around 1.4 million people—approximately half the population—have registered to vote, with 15 political parties vying for the presidency and National Assembly seats. Early results from special polls for Namibia’s foreign missions, seamen, and security services, released this month by the Electoral Commission of Namibia, show that Nandi-Ndaitwah and her party, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), are leading the race. SWAPO has governed Namibia since the country gained independence from South Africa’s apartheid regime in 1990. However, the party lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time in 2019, a blow largely attributed to corruption and money laundering scandals in Namibia’s fishing industry, which led to arrests and convictions of key ministers and businessmen. Political analyst Henning Melber, a professor at the University of Pretoria and University of the Free State, cautioned that SWAPO and Nandi-Ndaitwah must heed the 2019 election results, despite their apparent lead in the current race. He noted that SWAPO faces the challenge of attracting younger voters, who may not feel the same emotional connection to the party’s liberation history as older generations. Melber pointed out that “born-frees”—those born after the country’s liberation—are more likely to vote based on policy delivery and governance rather than historical sentiments. “The process of erosion of legitimacy as a former liberation movement has advanced too much,” he said. Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, has promised to tackle high youth unemployment, which stands at 20%, by creating more than 500,000 jobs over the next five years, backed by a $4.7 billion investment. However, critics argue that her goals may be unrealistic. Issues affecting women, such as reproductive rights, equal pay, and healthcare, are also expected to be key topics for voters. Should she win, Nandi-Ndaitwah would join the ranks of other pioneering female African leaders, such as Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and Samba Pranza of the Central African Republic. Erika Thomas, a political science lecturer at the University of Namibia, emphasized that Nandi-Ndaitwah would need to demonstrate independence, transparency, and accountability if elected. “She must also push for policies that increase women’s participation in political structures,” Thomas added. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main competition will come from the Independent Patriots for Change, led by former dentist Panduleni Itula, and university professor Job Amupanda’s Affirmative Repositioning party. As the election campaigns wrapped up this weekend, political analysts pointed to significant changes across southern Africa this year. The ANC in South Africa lost its 30-year parliamentary majority, Botswana’s ruling party was unseated after 58 years in power, and the opposition in Mauritius claimed a landslide victory. Meanwhile, protests continue in Mozambique over disputed election results, leading to at least 30 deaths.

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IMF backs Egypt’s reforms, addresses global economic challenges

Business, Egypt /

IMF Highlights Progress in Egypt’s Reforms, Assesses Global Economic Challenges The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterated its support for Egypt’s reform program, noting significant progress despite ongoing economic difficulties exacerbated by regional tensions. Speaking in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack praised Egypt’s commitment to key reforms designed to ensure macroeconomic stability. The IMF recently completed a mission to Egypt, making headway in discussions for the fourth review of the country’s 46-month loan program, which was approved in 2022 and expanded to $8 billion earlier this year. The program aims to address Egypt’s severe economic challenges, including high inflation and foreign currency shortages. Completing the review could unlock an additional $1.2 billion in financing for the country. Limited Economic Impact of Spain’s Floods The IMF also addressed the economic effects of the recent devastating floods in Spain, offering condolences to those impacted. While the floods caused significant damage in some areas, Kozack noted that the broader economic impact has been limited. Key infrastructure sectors such as transport and industry saw only minor disruptions. A more detailed assessment will be provided in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook update in January. Argentina’s Stabilization Efforts Show Progress The IMF also pointed to signs of economic stabilization in Argentina, following a challenging year of contraction. As the country works on restructuring its $44 billion loan with the IMF, Kozack reported progress in Argentina’s stabilization program, including reduced inflation, fiscal surpluses, stronger reserve coverage, and early signs of recovery in economic activity and real wages. The IMF pledged continued support to help Argentina maintain these gains and address remaining challenges. These updates underscore the IMF’s ongoing efforts to assist member countries in tackling complex economic issues and implementing reforms necessary for long-term stability.

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Gunmen kill 7 farmers in Niger state, Nigeria

Africa /

In Nigeria’s Niger state, gunmen from a local gang carried out an attack that resulted in the deaths of seven farmers. According to local reports, the armed assailants targeted workers in a field in the Bangi area of Niger state. Several others were injured in the attack. Niger state has experienced periodic armed assaults in recent years. In a similar incident on November 6, 10 people were killed in an attack in the Rafi region. Nigeria has long been grappling with violence from both armed criminal groups and terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).

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2024 deadliest year for humanitarian workers, 281 Killed

Discover /

The United Nations reported Friday that 2024 has become the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with 281 deaths so far—surpassing the previous high of 280 in 2023. This tragic milestone is primarily driven by violence in the Middle East, with the highest number of fatalities occurring in Gaza. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the exceptional risks faced by aid workers, healthcare staff, delivery personnel, and other humanitarians operating in conflict zones. “Humanitarians are working courageously and selflessly in places like Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine, and beyond. They show the best humanity has to offer, and they are getting killed in return,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. He stressed that these deaths would send shockwaves through the humanitarian community, particularly those working on the front lines of conflict. According to the U.N., most of the victims were national staff (268 people), while 13 were international personnel. The majority of these deaths occurred in Gaza, where 230 aid workers have been killed. The figures come from the Aid Worker Security Database, a project funded by the U.S. and managed by the U.K.-based group Humanitarian Outcomes. While Gaza is the epicenter of this violence, the U.N. noted that threats to humanitarians extend to other conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen, where incidents of violence, kidnapping, harassment, and arbitrary detention have been reported. Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, a total of 333 humanitarians have lost their lives, with the war itself causing more than 44,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health officials.

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Russia Informed US of ballistic missile attack on Ukraine: Pentagon

World /

 Russia notified the US before its experimental launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) targeting Ukraine, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday. “The United States was pre-notified briefly before the launch through Nuclear Risk Reduction channels,” spokesman Sabrina Singh told reporters The IRBM was based on Russia’s RS-26 “Rubezh” intercontinental ballistic missile model, she said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that his country struck the Pivdenmash aerospace plant in Dnipro in central-eastern Ukraine with a new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile. Putin updated Moscow’s nuclear doctrine on Tuesday, allowing for the potential nuclear weapon use in response to conventional missile attacks backed by a nuclear power. The escalation came amid reports that the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to target deep within Russia following reports of North Korea sending troops to support Moscow’s war effort Asked about Putin’s remarks that Russia could strike countries who let Ukraine use their missiles, Singh said Washington has observed no changes in Moscow’s nuclear posture. “We haven’t seen any adjustments that we’ve observed in their nuclear posture, and we haven’t adjusted our nuclear posture in exchange,” she said. “We’ve seen this type of dangerous, reckless rhetoric before from President Putin. What we’re focused on is continuing to support Ukraine with what it needs.”

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Digital nomadism redefines work and travel across the globe

Discover /

 The rise of digital technologies has blurred the lines between work and travel, creating a new era where professionals with the flexibility to work remotely can explore the world while maintaining their careers. Digital nomadism, a trend that has gained global traction in recent years, is reshaping traditional work norms by enabling people to work from virtually anywhere. The uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to reconsider their lifestyles. Economic pressures, especially on younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, have spurred a shift toward more adaptable living, moving away from rigid, traditional work and lifestyle concepts. Amid this transformation, digital nomadism, often conceptualized as “working while traveling,” has gained prominence. Remote work has shifted from an advantage to a necessity for many professionals, driving them to seek environments that offer both career opportunities and personal freedom. More than 50 countries have responded to the growing trend by offering special visas for digital nomads, typically allowing stays of up to 12 months. A report from data reporting and analytics solutions provider Demand Sage said that digital nomadism, embraced by over 35 million workers worldwide, reflects the peak of technological innovation, changing societal values, and an entrepreneurial spirit. -Who are digital nomads? There are five types of digital nomads; freelance digital nomads; digital nomad business owners; salaried digital nomads; experimental digital nomads and armchair digital nomads. Fields such as graphic design, software development, digital marketing and copywriting are popular among digital nomads, with Americans representing nearly half (16.9 million) of the global digital nomad population. Ariana Nicole, an American digital nomad, describes her first travels to Spain and Mexico as a search for a place that felt like home. After starting her journey three years ago, Nicole’s passport now bears stamps from more than a dozen countries. Initially working as a hybrid IT consultant, she convinced her employer to adopt remote work. She eventually transitioned to freelance graphic design and content creation via social media. Having lived in nearly 15 countries, Nicole says her heart belongs to Colombia. While her decision-making process is spontaneous, she is guided by her interest in Spanish and recommendations from other travelers. Yet the allure of constant travel brings challenges. Nicole, like many digital nomads, has experienced “travel burnout,” a feeling of longing for stability and routine. While digital nomadism surged during the pandemic, Nicole notes that the trend has since slowed down. -Combining work and travel: possible, but challenging Papel Popov, who moved to Georgia with his wife in 2020 to work remotely for a financial tech startup in Russia, has fully embraced the digital nomad lifestyle. For the past four years, he has mostly lived in Türkiye, occasionally visiting other countries to maintain his nomadic lifestyle. Popov highlights how digital nomadism has allowed him to balance work and travel, emphasizing the importance of a reliable internet connection for productivity. Joining the global nomad community are Jess Parvin and Sergio Sala from the US, who are also living the digital nomad lifestyle. Parvin, a graphic designer, says freelancing gave her the freedom to travel while maintaining her work. Sala, a web designer with 10 years of experience, has traveled to over 50 countries, finding his way in digital nomad communities across the world. While digital nomadism offers flexibility, it also presents challenges such as loneliness and language barriers. Sala, who has lived in countries like Thailand and Mexico, highlights the difficulty of navigating visa processes and finding accommodation in new places. For Sala, Mexico’s diversity and charm hold special appeal, while Thailand remains a favorite due to its safety and vibrant digital nomad community. Digital nomads like Sala advise those considering the lifestyle to first secure a stable online income before taking the plunge into a nomadic career.

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Haiti summons French envoy over Macron’s remarks

Africa /

 Haiti’s foreign minister summoned the French ambassador Thursday to address “unacceptable remarks” by President Emmanuel Macron at the G20 summit this week in Brazil, in which he accused the Caribbean country’s transitional council of being “total morons” for firing its prime minister. “Honestly, it is Haitians who killed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking,” Macron was caught on video saying.  “They are completely dumb. They should never have fired him,” he added, referring to the dismissal of former Prime Minister Garry Conille by Haiti’s transitional presidential council just days ago. Conille, who was appointed by the council to the position in May, worked for several years at the United Nations before returning to the country to pave the way for presidential elections next year and to restore stability.  After learning he was dismissed following a power struggle with the council over control of the government, he said the measure to oust him was unconstitutional.  Conille was replaced on Nov. 11 by businessman Alix Didier Fils Aimé. “They are complete idiots. They should never have taken him out. The prime minister was wonderful,” Macron said. The controversial remarks drew protests from Haitian authorities on Thursday.  Haiti’s Foreign Ministry said that French Ambassador Antoine Michon had been summoned following the remarks, which the ministry branded as “unfriendly and inappropriate.” Macron pledged Thursday that “France will never look away in the face of a crisis,” adding “there will never be a double standard in the face of tragedy, whether in Haiti, Venezuela or on the doorstep of Europe.”  Haiti’s Foreign Ministry said that at the meeting, Michon pledged that France would stand by Haiti to help restore security and carry out elections. France has pledged to contribute €4 million ($4.18 million) to the UN fund that finances the security mission destined to restore security in Haiti.

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