On 12 December 2024, the Namibian government issued a press release announcing that the Cabinet had approved the signing of the Joint Declaration (JD) on Genocide, Apology, and Reparations, “signalling the closure of a decade-long negotiation process between the Namibian and German governments.” 

The Cabinet also assigned the minister of international relations and cooperation to sign the Joint Declaration on behalf of the Namibian government. The Cabinet further approved the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to implement the Genocide, Apology, Reparations, and Atonement projects in line with the Joint Declaration. The mysterious outcome came as a great disappointment to the citizenry, especially the descendants of victims of the 1904-1908 genocide, at home and in the diaspora. 

According to the two governments’ plans, the SPV will be created as a non-profit entity under Section 21 of the Companies Act. 

“The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be an independent structure that will not be linked to any government, office, ministry, or agency (OMA) governed by an independent Board of Governors. Both the German and Namibian governments will each have a representative on the Governing Board.” 

Beyond the Namibian negotiating team – whose mandate must come from the affected communities – the said communities’ yearning for transparency and fairness during the negotiations were dashed. They will supposedly play a decisive role in the management and administration of the implementation structure, and they have to serve as Founding Members in terms of the Articles of Association. 

The negotiation process and outcome have left a festering wound and permanent scar on the affected communities and the Namibian history.

Fault lines

When the first Joint Declaration was discussed in Cabinet in May 2021, before it was tabled in the National Assembly, a number of issues were raised before it was sent back for further negotiations with the German government. Among the shortcomings identified was the lack of adequate recognition of genocide against the affected communities, with the amount of €1.1 billion offered by Germany over a 30-year not being commensurate with the deeds committed against the affected communities, the OvaHerero, and the Nama people. 

Given the minuscule amount offered for atonement, the implementation period needed to be shortened while it was not clear how the affected communities in the diaspora would benefit from it. 

Yet, this issue is undone. In terms of the negotiated Joint Declaration, the €1.1 billion or N$19 billion, is not a final amount, while the implementation period has been shortened from 30 to 23 years. “The amount of €1.1 billion will not be final, but additional funding will be provided once the initial amount is depleted. The total amount of the additional funding will be determined by the further needs of the affected communities, as will be determined through periodic assessments. These needs will be determined by the Namibian government in consultation with the affected communities.” But the story still lacks details. 

Apparently, “the Namibian government in collaboration with the affected communities, successfully negotiated for the establishment of a Bi-National Commission between Germany and Namibia.” 

“The purpose of the commission is to upgrade cooperation between the two countries to a higher level. This agreement was realised by the fact that Germany has a special relationship with Namibia because of past experiences with the genocide for example. 

Cabinet also resolved that the Joint Declaration be submitted to the Chiefs and Traditional Authorities for scrutiny before its tabling in the National Assembly.” 

All these details were revealed by Hon. Lucia Witbooi, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, at a feedback meeting for the Chiefs’ Forum on Genocide negotiations in Keetmanshoop, about a fortnight ago. 

Boycotted genocide joint declaration roadshow

However, on an NBC news slot on the evening of 20 December 2024, it was reported that, during the aforementioned feedback meeting held by Hon. Witbooi in Keetmanshoop, “the traditional chiefs were conspicuously absent”. Meaning, they did not attend the meeting. The pertinent question is why? 

Similarly, the traditional authorities consisting also of the Okandjoze Chiefs Assembly, stated categorically clear in a press statement released subsequently, that they “will not accept a Joint Declaration between the Namibian and German governments regarding the reparations for the genocide, and that they also plan to boycott the upcoming joint declaration roadshow in the region.” 

They further stated that they “are not pleased with the alleged concealment of activities around the genocide negotiations. The Joint Declaration has also been rejected by a broad spectrum of the descendants of the genocide survivors, supported by the international community.” 

The Okandjoze Chiefs Assembly further stated that they “did not receive any briefing on what the Joint Declaration entails, nor are they privy to the bilateral cooperation mechanism in place between the two governments since independence.” In addition, they maintained that “the Joint Declaration cannot constitute a substitute for Germany’s acknowledgement of and clear apology for the genocide committed against our forefathers, hence, the need to go back to the drawing board.” 

In summary, the establishment of a Bi-National Commission between Germany and Namibia is a governmental matter over which the affected communities have no jurisdiction. It boggles one’s mind how the genocide matters – of over a hundred years – got mixed up in this fashion with bilateral issues between the two governments. 

Our government must realise that it is dealing with life-and-death matters here. It is about the eternal loss, pain, honour, and dignity of our people – past, present, and future generations. A sensitive Namibian government has an obligation to engage the affected communities effectively.

 Because collaboration has many benefits, such as better communication and harmony among the citizenries. By the way, to whom are the Germans prepared to give an apology? 

At this moment of deep reflection, it is apt to quote from the legendary leader, comrade Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former President of South Africa, who once said: “Let your greatness blossom. As we let our light shine, we consciously permit other people to do the same. A leader …. is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realising that all along they are being directed from behind.” 

Recognition, dignity, and peace are vital in a democracy.

*Maj. Gen. (Rtd) J. B Tjivikua: is a descendant of victims of the 1904-1908 genocide.