The Forum of German-speaking Namibians has reaffirmed its full and unwavering commitment and support towards Namibia’s ongoing fight for restorative justice, demand for reparations and a mutually respectful closure to the atrocious events of 1904-08.
Speaking to this publication, forum chairperson Harald Hecht said the broader German-Namibian community consider the carnages of 1904-08 as genocide, and not just mere atrocities.
He said it is important for Namibia and Germany to mutually and respectfully accelerate the process of addressing the injustices emanating from that genocide to ultimately promote national identity and solidarity among the various ethnic groups.
On what practical, everyday steps are German-speaking Namibians taking to foster deeper dialogue, empathy and social integration with the affected communities, Hecht highlighted that the Forum has been hard at work bringing German-speaking Namibians on board and in tune with the genocide issue.
“Practical steps are happening daily already, and the forum practices and encourages mutual dialogue based on hearing the affected communities but also being heard. The proposed joint declaration between Namibia and Germany will, if agreed on, provide a more formal and enhanced framework towards the healing of the wounds as per paragraph 18 of the declaration. It is stated that €50m will be dedicated to projects on reconciliation, remembrance, research and education. The forum is more than ready to partake in such activities,” said Hecht.
While a formal apology from Germany has faced delays and diplomatic friction, Hecht was asked what a genuine and complete apology would look like from the perspective of the forum.
He said: “From what we understand, Germany is ready to render a formal and unconditional apology upon conclusion of the joint declaration. The forum is confident that existing ambiguities can be removed, and that possible additions can be made for implementation in the further negotiation process.
The forum appeals to all stakeholders involved, through constructive and peaceful cooperation, to work towards a comprehensive reconciliation agreement, in the spirit of One Namibia, One Nation.”
Germany has, historically, refused to acknowledge its role in the ethnic cleansing, which decimated over 100 000 Herero and Nama.
But in 2021, more than 100 years after the violence occurred, the European country finally acknowledged that its actions constituted a genocide.
Then German foreign minister Heiko Maas in a 28 May 2021 statement said that Germany had planned to pay €1.1 billion (about N$18 billion) in aid toward infrastructure development in Namibia over a period of 30 years.
The €1.1 billion in aid was to go toward professional training, infrastructure projects and other development initiatives, with a focus on the regions where Herero and Nama survivors’ descendants live today.
Bone of contention
But many critics argue that Germany’s proposed €1.1 billion aid does not go far enough to atone for its crimes, despite persistent calls from activists, scholars and other world governments for Germany to offer direct reparations to descendants of the genocide victims.
This refusal and omission of the word “reparations” in the formal agreements and talks between the two governments has allowed Germany to avoid opening a legal avenue for these communities to claim reparations.
Another thorny issue that does not sit well with the affected communities, the Namibian government and opposition political parties is Germany’s offer to pay the €1.1 billion over a period of 30 years, something Namibians have said is unacceptable and illogical.
On commemorating the annual Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May, a day which coincides with the historic closure of the colonial concentration camps countrywide in 1908, Hecht said the day serves as a growing important tool for genuine and collective nation-building.
“Again, the Forum of German-Speaking Namibian encourages its members and the Namibian nation at large to go out and commemorate the Genocide Remembrance Day. Members of our Forum will attend celebrations in Lüderitz, Swakopmund, Keetmanshoop and Windhoek,” he said.
Global support
In 2023, the United Nations’ special rapporteurs criticised both Namibia and Germany for allegedly violating the rights of the Ovaherero and Nama ethnic minorities by excluding them from talks over reparations for colonial crimes against their ancestors.
The UN representatives called on Germany to take full responsibility for all its colonial crimes in Namibia, including the mass murder of the Herero and Nama people.
– ohembapu@nepc.com.na