Finland has returned the extracted stone fragments of the Ondonga people to the Namibian government.

The handover was done at State House, witnessed by President Hage Geingob and his counterpart, Sauli Niinisto of Finland.

The stone fragments were taken by a Finnish missionary, Martii Rautanen, more than 130 years ago from the Ondonga kingdom.

Rautanen was believed to be on a research mission when he came across the stone and took parts of it for experiments.

The United Arab Emirates says it is willing to support Namibia in opening a diplomatic mission in the Gulf state.

Mahash Saeed Alhameli, the UAE Ambassador to Namibia, based in South Africa, paid a courtesy call on President Hage Geingob on the margins of the state visit in Pretoria.

Namibia revealed its plans to open a mission in the UAE about four years ago but has been facing budgetary constraints.

Ambassador Alhameli told President Geingob that the UAE understands Namibia’s financial priorities and is willing to support the country.

President Hage Geingob has reiterated his commitment that no journalists would be persecuted or threatened but urged the scribes to be truthful in their reports as per the media code of ethics.

This commitment, Dr. Geingob says, remains despite damaging headlines and quotes often taken out of context without offering any right of reply.

Namibia is ranked No. 2 in terms of press freedom in Africa by the Press Freedom Index, just behind 

Swapo Party's Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged the delegates to the congress to remain focused during deliberations and use President Geingob's opening statement as an official guiding document.

The Swapo Party's central committee has finalized its five-year term report for deliberation during the congress.

According to the party's Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa, this was among a number of preparations that the Party undertook to ensure the success of its elective congress.

President Geingob reiterated that his administration has taken action against corruption, even when high-ranking officials are involved.

Dr. Geingob made reference to former Cabinet ministers, Bernard Esau and Sacky Shangala whom he removed from their positions following their implication in the fishrot scandal.

This and other actions, the President says, is an indication that the Swapo-led government is not shielding corruption as alleged by some.
 

AU member states are expected to decide on bold policies and investment actions to accelerate the continent's industrialisation drive.

The discussions will take place during the African Union Summit on Industrialisation and Economic Diversification, to be held in Niger next month.

The President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, sent an invitation letter to President Geingob, delivered by special envoy Salamatou Gourouza Magapi at State House.

President Hage Geingob is concerned about the reversal of democratic processes in some African countries, more than 50 years after the continent rid itself of colonialism.

President Geingob expressed the sentiments when he hosted the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, at State House.

Dr Geingob lauded the African Union's progress in promoting democracy among member states since its formation.

State House has dismissed claims that Jerry Ekandjo is discriminated against and that his attempts to contest the Vice President position are sabotaged by President Hage Geingob.

According to a media statement issued by the Presidency, it was the democratic processes in Swapo that denied Ekandjo the opportunity to ascend to the party's top leadership positions on multiple occasions.

The statement says, contrary to claims that President Geingob is working actively towards excluding Ekandjo, the truth is that the Head of State has come to his rescue.

President Hage Geingob has reminded the UN General Assembly that the unprecedented global debt levels and interest rates are limiting the fiscal space of countries, including Namibia.

Dr Geingob delivered Namibia's statement during the General Assembly that is underway in New York. 

The UN members' collective aspirations should remain acutely aware of the vulnerabilities facing developing countries, President Geingob emphasised to the UNGA. This also includes the limitations to resource mobilisation posed by the World Bank's classification.