“German-speaking Namibians pledge firm allegiance … say they too are part of genocide fight

2026-05-27 BY OTNIEL HEMBAPU

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.

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“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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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– ohembapu@nepc.com.na”

• Full report “German-speaking Namibians pledge firm allegiance … say they too are part of genocide fight” on the website of the New Era (last checked in May 2026).

• See also the Joint Declaration of the Governments of Germany and Namibia in the ‘Primary Sources’ section of this website.

• Note also the report of the UN’s Special Rapporteurs on the Joint Declaration from 23 February 2023 as well as the response of the Namibian Government from 30 May 2023 and the response of the German Government on 1 June 2023 in the ‘Primary Sources’ section of this website.

• See also the articles “1904 December 9 – Order to erect concentration camps” and “1908 May 28 – Concentration camps officially dissolved” in the ‘Namibia’s Past’ section of this website.