from ALFRED SHILONGO in Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia Bureau
WINDHOEK, (CAJ News) – NAMIBIA said it was committed to ensuring the atrocities committed against its Ovaherero and Nama people received the same recognition, historical acknowledgement and moral attention accorded to genocides and crimes against humanity committed elsewhere in the world.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said in doing so, her government reaffirmed the importance of historical truth, justice, healing and reparations as part of the broader process of reconciliation and closure.
“Hence, our government, together with the affected communities, will continue to engage the Federal Republic of Germany until the matter of the genocide, apology and reparations is brought to a just and meaningful conclusion,” she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was delivering a keynote message on Genocide Remembrance Day, marked on Thursday (May 28). It was first commemorated in 2025.
She described the period of the genocide, from 1904 to 1908, as one of the darkest chapters in Namibia’s history.
“As communities across various regions host commemorative events and activities, I encourage Namibians to participate in these engagements in a spirit of respect, unity, reflection and national solidarity,” the president said.
The German Empire perpetrated the genocide.
It is estimated that around 40 000 to 80 000 Hereros and 10 000 Nama were killed.
It is recognised as the first genocide of the 20th century.
In 2015, the German government acknowledged that genocide had been committed.
Negotiations between the German and Namibian governments led to a deal in 2021, in which Germany agreed to contribute €1,1 billion (US$1,3 billion) in the form of development aid while rejecting any legal responsibility for the genocide.
– CAJ News