International Context
Background / International Context
Namibia’s Past – International Context
The colonialism of European states since the “discovery” of America by Christopher Columbus has affected all continents and almost all countries. The societies of all these countries are more or less in the process of coming to terms with their colonial past.
Much of what happened elsewhere and how it is being dealt with there is also relevant to the dialogue about the past in Namibia. Here you will find a small selection of contributions to these debates.
This selection of historical events and moments of dialogue in other countries is work in progress. You are welcome to suggest corrections and additions. Please include also the source(s) – preferably by providing a link. We will need some time to review your proposal. If it does not meet our criteria or guidelines, it will not be published.
2023 November 1 – Deutsche Welle: German president apologizes for colonial crimes in Tanzania
"German president apologizes for colonial crimes in Tanzania 11/01/2023 (...) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday sought forgiveness for crimes committed during the country's colonial rule in Tanzania. "I would like to...
2023 November 1 – Voice Of America: Germany’s President, King Charles, Others Speak on Colonial Past in Africa
"Germany's President, King Charles, Others Speak on Colonial Past in Africa 01 November 2023 12:07 PARIS, FRANCE — Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday joined the list of leaders that addressed their nation's colonial...
2021 September 22: Chimamanda Adichie – Speech at the Humboldt Forum
The Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gave a speech on 22 September 2021 to mark the opening of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art in the Humboldt Forum in Berlin. Topics: Colonialism of European states,...
2020 June 30 – National Geographic: As monuments fall, how does the world reckon with a racist past?
"As monuments fall, how does the world reckon with a racist past? Heroes of the past are considered dishonourable today. Should these relics be removed or preserved as mementos of history? BY PHILLIP MORRIS PUBLISHED 30 JUN 2020 "(...)...
2020 June 04 – CNN: The George Floyd protests are sparking a surprising debate in black America
"The George Floyd protests are sparking a surprising debate in black America By John Blake, CNN 8 minute read Updated 4:21 PM EDT, Thu June 4, 2020 Omar Wasow is a researcher who works in a world of charts and data. But his analytical...
2020 May 25 – George Floyd killed by ‘white’ police officer during arrest in Minneapolis, USA
George Floyd, a 46-year-old 'black' US citizen, was killed by 'white' police officer Derek Chauvin (44) during an arrest in Minneapolis on 25 May 2020. He was handcuffed and lying face down on the ground. Although he repeatedly said he...
1492 October 12 – Columbus officially set foot in the Americas
On 12 October 1492, the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus officially set foot on the American continent on his first of four Spanish-based voyages and claimed the land for Spain. Columbus is often referred to as the discoverer of...