Icelandic finance minister attributes Fishrot corruption to Namibia, sparking criticism
via The Namibian3 min read
Iceland's finance minister, Daði Már Kristófersson, stated in an interview with Danish newspaper Berlingske that corruption in the Fishrot case reflects Namibia, not Iceland. He was responding to questions regarding Icelandic fishing company Samherji's operations linked to Namibia, saying, "This is a terrible case. But there is corruption in Namibia – not in Iceland." These comments follow a website, later confirmed as an artwork by Icelandic artist Odee, that appeared to be an apology from Alda Seafood Holding for its involvement in the Fishrot scandal. Namibian Member of Parliament Rodney Cloete rejected the minister's statement, arguing it ignores the role of foreign companies in the fishing sector. Cloete highlighted that Samherji is an Icelandic company, its executives have not faced prosecution in Iceland, and Iceland has rejected extradition requests related to the case three times. He also pointed out that the Icelandic government paid Samherji over N$120 million in public climate subsidies. Cloete noted that in the same interview, the minister acknowledged Iceland's fisheries lobby has strong influence, making reform difficult and "eating Icelandic democracy from the inside." Political analyst Marius Kudumo called the minister's statement ill-informed, emphasizing that corruption always involves two parties and cannot be attributed solely to one country. The Fishrot case, which became public in 2019, involves allegations of fishing quotas being exchanged for bribes t
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament, followed by a second from veteran striker Raul Jimenez. South Africa finished the match with nine players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received red cards. Quinones opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Jimenez adding the second in the 67th minute. Sithole was dismissed in the 49th minute, and Zwane in the 84th minute after a VAR review. Mexican defender Cesar Montes also received a red card late in the game.
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, stated that the relationship between Namibia and Portugal, particularly in trade and investment, has significant potential for further development. Her remarks were delivered by Charles Josob, acting head of the bilateral department, during a Portugal Day celebration at the National Art Gallery of Namibia in Windhoek. Ashipala-Musavyi noted that while trade volumes are improving, they have not yet met the full ambition or depth of the friendship between the two nations. She highlighted that Namibia and Portugal have cultivated a strong relationship through cultural exchange, language training, and trade, acknowledging the Portuguese community's contributions to Namibian society. Josob congratulated Portugal on its election to the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028 and the performance of its national football team. Portugal Day, officially known as the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, is celebrated annually on June 10, commemorating the death of poet Luís de Camões. Portuguese ambassador to Namibia Rui Carmo explained that the day celebrates the collective identity, the Portuguese language, and Portuguese communities worldwide. The embassy marked the occasion with a fado concert featuring singer Soraia Cardoso and musicians João Felipe and Bernardo Romão.
Vitalis Nepembe, 35, known as "Dax," was arrested in Ondangwa this week in connection with a N$385,000 transaction, part of an ongoing N$2.1 million fraud case against Sanlam Namibia. Nepembe faces allegations of fraud, acting with common purpose, and corruption-related offenses. A source indicated that Nepembe allegedly received the N$385,000 from Claudia Martin, who is accused of fraudulently claiming approximately N$1.2 million from Sanlam Namibia. This payment reportedly followed the false presentation of Elizabeth Elifas's laboratory results as Martin's in December 2024 to support a fraudulent chronic illness insurance claim. Nepembe, listed as accused number 21, appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, was remanded in custody, and his case was postponed to June 15 for a bail application.