Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Charmaine Ngatjiheue
Published on 2024-02-27 17:00:00
McHenry Venaani, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Germany’s handling of the issue surrounding the 1904-1908 genocide in Namibia. He believes that it is not enough for Germany to simply apologize for the atrocities committed during that period, but they must also provide adequate reparations to the Namibian people.
These sentiments were echoed following a statement made by German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a memorial service held at the Independence Stadium, where he acknowledged the need for Germany to apologize to Namibia for the past injustices. Steinmeier commended President Hage Geingob for his efforts to address the atrocities committed by German forces and emphasized the importance of reconciliation and taking responsibility for the past.
However, Venaani has called on Germany to offer more than just an apology. He believes that Germany must acknowledge the genocide that occurred in Namibia and provide reparations that reflect the magnitude of the loss suffered by the Namibian people. Venaani accused Germany of trying to negotiate with Namibia and offering insufficient reparations, which he believes is unacceptable.
The Namibian people have long demanded that Germany recognize the genocide and pay reparations for the crimes committed against them. The issue is particularly sensitive for the Nama and Ovaherero people, whose ancestors were among the victims of the genocide. They feel that Germany has not taken full legal responsibility for the atrocities and has failed to acknowledge the extent of the crime.
Sima Luipert, the coordinator of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association’s technical committee on genocide international relations, criticized the joint declaration between Germany and Namibia for not acknowledging the full extent of the crimes committed. She called for Germany to engage directly with the Nama people through their representatives and to offer a sincere apology that addresses the historical realities of the genocide.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah also emphasized the need for Germany to offer a genuine apology that includes acknowledgment of the genocide, reparations, and restorative justice. He believes that the current agreement between Germany and Namibia falls short of addressing these critical issues and that the process must involve the descendants of the genocide victims.
In conclusion, the issue of the 1904-1908 genocide in Namibia remains unresolved, with many feeling that Germany has not adequately apologized or provided reparations for the crimes committed. Leaders like McHenry Venaani and advocacy groups like the Nama Traditional Leaders Association are calling for a more comprehensive and sincere response from Germany that recognizes the full extent of the atrocities and offers meaningful reparations to the Namibian people.
Read the original article on The Namibian
