Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in on Friday as the first female president of Namibia after winning elections last year.
At a ceremony that coincided with Namibia's 35th anniversary of independence, Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed office, succeeding outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, who had taken over power following the death of former President Hage Geingob in 2024.
As Namibia's fifth president since its independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah won the 2024 presidential election with 57 percent of the vote.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by heads of state from several African countries, as well as leaders of international and regional organizations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is a member of Namibia's ruling South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) party, which has been in power since the country gained independence in 1990. She joined the party when it was leading the struggle for independence and has since held several senior positions.
Nandi-Ndaitwah entered the National Assembly in 1990 and became a cabinet minister in 2000, leading the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Welfare. She later served as minister of information and broadcasting, minister of environment and tourism, and minister of foreign affairs. In February 2024, she became Namibia's first female vice president.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah sworn in as Namibia's first female president
Residents in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, are demanding that the government take action to combat the escalating gang violence.
The Caribbean country's security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months, as escalating attacks against civilians are eroding the few areas that remain free from gang influence.
In February alone, the escalating violence in Port-au-Prince has forced nearly 60,000 people to flee their homes.
Currently, over 1 million people are displaced across Haiti -- a figure that has tripled in the past year.
Armed gangs are seizing control of more neighborhoods, raising fears that the capital could fall at any moment.
Half of the country's population is facing acute food shortages, and many displaced people have sought refuge in makeshift shelters, where access to food, water and medical care is severely limited.
Meanwhile, gang violence is intensifying, with kidnappings, extortion and killings plunging the country, especially the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, deeper into turmoil.
"We have nowhere to go. All of those sleeping at the gas station have nowhere to go. I just have one thing to say to the government: they have to do something for us," said Laurie Evanie Felix, a local vendor.
Inflation is soaring, basic services are collapsing, and food insecurity is worsening.
Amidst this turmoil, the rise in gang violence persists, even with the presence of UN-backed international forces led by Kenya.
As conditions worsen, millions are wondering when they will see any sustainable relief.
"Help! Government of my country! Help! We can't run anymore! Government of my country, do something," said Kettia Sylvain, another vendor.
Desperate Haitians urge gov't to take action amid escalating gang violence
