Algeria’s ambassador to Namibia Abdelkrim Diaf has announced that his country will provide financial support to Namibia to address the ongoing drought crisis. 

This commitment was revealed during the celebration of Algeria’s 70th Revolution anniversary, held in Windhoek this week.

Diaf stated that the strong ties between the two sister countries have prompted president Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria to respond to President Nangolo Mbumba’s call by granting financial support to assist Namibia in combating the drought.

Algeria and Namibia share a longstanding relationship dating back to before Namibia’s independence.

“Algeria, which granted multiform support to Namibian people during their fight for liberation against colonial occupation, hosted a Swapo office in Algiers, supplying it with the first arms used by its fighters, and deployed active diplomatic support aiming to speed up the independence of Namibia,” recalled Diaf. 

He added that the two countries hold similar positions on various regional and international issues, including their firm stance in support of the just causes of Palestine and Western Sahara. 

“The energy sectors, including green hydrogen, as well as business start-ups, agriculture, livestock, maritime transport, housing construction, education and youth are potential areas of future cooperation between Algeria and Namibia,” said the diplomat.

Information minister Emma Theofelus, who was the special guest at the celebration, said Algeria’s political support, assistance in capacity building and prompt response to Namibia’s drought emergency speaks volumes about what that nation stands for. 

She noted that the shared history between Algeria and Namibia has fostered a sense of self-determination and national independence, with a focus on the inalienable rights of people.

 She highlighted that Algeria’s people-centred approach to growth and development resonates with the struggles of the people of Western Sahara and Palestine.

“This causes both our countries to continue advocating for – and as we can see, a cause that becomes more important than ever before. I would like to thank Algeria for their support in the past, as well as for the continued support Namibia enjoys today,” she remarked. 

– psiririka@nepc.com.na