Namibians Demand a ‘BIG Intervention’: The Truth, for Its Own Sake Namibia’s recent history has been marked by a growing demand for transparency and accountability. Citizens are tired of corruption, nepotism, and the lack of progress on social and economic issues. This has led to increasing protests and calls for a “BIG intervention” from the international community. The ‘BIG’ Intervention The term “BIG intervention” refers to the idea that the international community should take a more active role in Namibia to help address the country’s problems. This could include providing financial assistance, sending observers to monitor elections, or even intervening militarily to protect civilians. Supporters of a BIG intervention argue that it is necessary to break the cycle of corruption and violence that is plaguing Namibia. They believe that only outside pressure will force the government to change its ways and that the Namibian people deserve better. The Truth, for Its Own Sake Critics of a BIG intervention argue that it would be counterproductive and would only serve to make the situation worse. They argue that the Namibian people need to find their own solutions to their problems and that outside intervention would only prolong the conflict. They also point to the fact that Namibia has a history of being used as a pawn in regional conflicts and that a BIG intervention could lead to the country being dragged into a wider war. The Way Forward The debate over a BIG intervention in Namibia is a complex one with no easy answers. However, it is important to remember that the Namibian people have the right to determine their own future. Any intervention should be done with their consent and in their best interests. The international community can play a role in supporting Namibia’s development, but it should do so in a way that respects the country’s sovereignty and independence. The truth, for its own sake, should be the guiding principle in all decisions about Namibia’s future.Poverty and Unemployment in Namibia: The Need for a Basic Income GrantPoverty and Unemployment in Namibia: The Need for a Basic Income Grant Frederick Fredericks, an 18-year-old Namibian, should be in school, but he is instead seen sunbathing outside his modest hut. Fredericks attended school until the ninth grade with the help of the Basic Income Subsidy (BIG) pilot project. In 2008, residents under 60 in Otjivero-Omitara received a monthly subsidy of 100 Namibian dollars, significantly improving their lives. However, when the grant ended, Fredericks’ parents could not afford to send him to high school. “I want to continue my studies and one day be a doctor,” Fredericks says, “But my parents can’t afford to send me to school.” Julia Nekwaya, another Omitara resident, describes the bleak future for the youth in the absence of BIG. “Our people are suffering,” she says. Calls for a Universal Basic Income Grant Over the weekend, hundreds of Namibians took to the streets, demanding a monthly payment of 500 Namibian dollars for all unemployed citizens aged 0-59 to address poverty. The peaceful march was organized by the Namibia Basic Income Subsidies Coalition, which has collected over 3,500 signatures in support of a universal basic income grant. “We have more than 1.6 million people living in poverty,” says Rinaani Musutua, BIG campaign coordinator. “This country has a lot of inequality, and this inequality is due to past mistakes that have not been addressed.” Michael Amushelelo, a currency trader-turned-politician, emphasizes the importance of supporting unemployed youth. “Young people are the majority and most important people in our country,” he says. “Our leaders must commit to implementing an unconditional and universal BIG to support unemployed youth.” “The government can increase this subsidy over time,” says Herbert Jauch, a labor researcher. “The N$500 advocated by the coalition is reasonable, as it is half of what the Finance Minister indicated was necessary for basic needs four years ago.” Upon receiving the petition, Minister of Poverty Eradication Doreen Sioka assured the protesters that it would be handed to President Nangolo Mbumba for consideration.Namibians Demand Truthful Intervention Concerned citizens in Namibia have issued a stern call for a comprehensive and truthful intervention to address the country’s ongoing challenges. This demand arises from a deep-seated belief that the nation deserves a fair and transparent understanding of its past and present in order to forge a brighter future. Citing numerous incidents of alleged corruption, economic inequality, and social divisions, Namibians are demanding an intervention that goes beyond mere lip service. They insist that the truth must be uncovered, regardless of how uncomfortable or politically inconvenient it may be. “We’ve been promised transparency before, but it’s never materialized,” said one protestor. “We want to know who is behind the closed doors, making decisions that affect our lives.” Experts have echoed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into these concerns. They argue that a credible and widely accepted account of events is essential for national healing and reconciliation. “The Namibian people have a right to know the truth about their own history,” said a political analyst. “Only then can they move forward with a shared understanding of the past and a common vision for the future.” The government has responded to the public outcry by acknowledging the need for an intervention. However, critics have expressed skepticism about the authorities’ willingness to fully uncover the truth. “We’ve heard these promises before,” said a civil society leader. “We need concrete actions, not empty rhetoric.” Namibians from all walks of life are united in their demand for transparency and accountability. They believe that the truth is paramount, not only for its own sake but also for the sake of future generations.