Namibia: In a historic commemoration, Namibia held its inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day on Wednesday, honoring the memory of approximately 65,000 OvaHerero and 10,000 Nama people who were killed during German colonial rule from 1904 to 1908. The solemn event in Windhoek's parliament gardens brought together government officials, community leaders, and descendants of the victims, reigniting discussions on the adequacy of Germany's acknowledgment and compensation for these atrocities.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of Germany's 2021 recognition of the massacres as genocide and its pledge of €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) in development aid over 30 years. However, she acknowledged ongoing negotiations, stating, "We may not agree on the final quantum, but that is part of the complex negotiations we have been engaged in with the German government since 2013."
Despite Germany's official acknowledgment, many Namibians, particularly from the OvaHerero and Nama communities, view the development aid as insufficient. OvaHerero Chief Hoze Riruako likened the genocide to a precursor of the Holocaust and called for greater educational efforts to raise awareness about the atrocities. Some community representatives boycotted the ceremony, arguing that the current agreement fails to address their specific grievances adequately.
Opposition leader McHenry Venaani echoed these sentiments, asserting that Germany's initial offer does not meet the expectations of the affected communities. "We are demanding a fair deal," he stated.
The German government reiterated its moral and political responsibility, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation. A spokesperson referred to a statement highlighting Germany's commitment to acknowledging its colonial past and fostering a path toward healing.
As Namibia reflects on this dark chapter of its history, the nation's leaders and citizens continue to advocate for a resolution that fully addresses the enduring impact of colonial-era atrocities on their communities.