The Office of the Prime Minister continued distributing drought food relief this week to residents of the Oshikoto Region.

The Prime Minister's office has rejected claims that the distribution of drought relief rice to the Oshikoto Region was influenced by tribal factors.

There is a shortage in the number of rice bags to be distributed in the region compared to the needy households identified.

India has donated a thousand tonnes of rice and maize to Namibia's Drought Relief efforts. 

This was announced by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Jenelly Matundu during a reception in Windhoek, marking the 76th Republic Day of India. 

The residents and livestock in some parts of the Omaheke Region now have hope thanks to the rain.

The headman of Otjomboora Village, Gift Tjirunga, stated that if it weren't for the recent good rainfall received leading up to Christmas, most of their livestock could be dead by now.

The United Nations World Food Programme, through funding by the Government of the Republic of Korea, has launched a commodity voucher programme worth 500 thousand US dollars to assist 25,500 drought-affected families and 3,500 children.

The European Union has donated N$3.8 million for drought relief, which will assist around 140,000 Namibians with essential resources such as food, clean water, and financial assistance.

This is in response to the State of Emergency declared by President Nangolo Mbumba in May this year.

The Etunda and Sikondo Green Scheme Irrigations, located in Omusati and Kavango East regions, were recognised for their excellence, winning top honours at the Namibia Agronomic Board's (NAB) National Agronomic and Horticulture Awards, held at Olushandja.

Over 4,000 households in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions will receive drought relief aid for six months. 

This comes after the United Nations World Food Programme, with support from the Government of Japan, donated N$9 million towards the drought relief programme. 

Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia, Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, announced his country's commitment to assist Namibia in addressing the drought situation.

Malaysia will contribute over N$700,000 towards relief efforts.

Yahaya said this during Malaysia's 61st National Day celebration.

Namibia's decision to cull more than 700 wild animals, including elephants, as part of its drought management strategy has sparked international attention, with many conservationists questioning its ethics and necessity.