Germany marked a big step in history after recognizing on Friday May 28 for the first time the genocide it committed in Namibia during its colonial occupation.
German settlers slaughtered 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama, the country’s two main peoples, from 1904 to 1908.
“We officially qualify these events for what they are from today’s perspective: genocide,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said during a press conference in Berlin
“In light of Germany’s historical and moral responsibility, we will ask forgiveness from Namibia and the descendants of the victims,” he added.
Germany is also planning a “gesture of recognition of the immense suffering inflicted on the victims”, to support the development of Namibia through a program amounting to more than 1.1 billion euros, paid over 30 years, in favor of the descendants of the victims, also underlined Heiko Maas. This program will affect, among other things, the areas of infrastructure and health.
All of these initiatives are the result of about six years of intense diplomatic negotiations between Windhoeck and Berlin.
The recognition is “a step in the right direction,” said the spokesperson for the Namibian president. The two countries are expected to sign a contract to record developments in the situation.
But the peoples concerned did not let themselves be carried away by Germany’s announcements, particularly concerning financial compensation. For the traditional leaders of the Herero and Nama peoples, the amount indicated does not meet their expectations.
By OMA Newsletter N ° 288 of 05/31/2021
OMA, an NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
The enhancement of human potential
The promotion and consolidation of inter-African integration
Keywords: Germany, Namibia, Herero and Nama peoples, Genocide
Country: Namibia
Geographic position: East Africa
