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Remembrance without justice meaningless – Minnie – New Era 13-04-2026

“Remembrance without justice meaningless – Minnie

2026-04-13 BY CORRESPONDENT

Joe-Chinthia Garises

MARIENTAL – Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Mariental councillor, William Minnie says the annual Genocide Remembrance Walk taking place from 10-12 April in Lüderitz is intended to advance calls for justice, reparations and full historical recognition of the 1904-1908 Nama and Herero genocide.

Speaking ahead of the event in an interview with Nampa, the Mariental councillor described the memorial walk as a “solemn act of historical reckoning” that goes beyond ceremonial remembrance.

Minnie said the initiative honours victims of German colonial atrocities while affirming that the events of 1904 to 1908 constitute genocide in accordance with international law principles, including those outlined in the United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948.

“Remembrance without justice is insufficient. The genocide must be fully acknowledged, taught and addressed through concrete reparative measures,” he said.

Minnie highlighted Lüderitz as a key site of commemoration due to its proximity to Shark Island, where Nama and Herero people were subjected to forced labour, starvation and death under colonial rule.

“To gather in Lüderitz is to confront this history directly and honour those who perished, while reclaiming a space that symbolised suffering and dehumanisation,” he said.

He noted that the memorial walk has evolved from a community-driven initiative into a broader platform that now attracts traditional leaders, youth, policymakers and civil society, reflecting growing awareness and advocacy for justice.

[…]

“Government must not speak over affected communities but create space for their leadership and voices to guide engagements,” he said.

Minnie further argued that efforts to address the legacy of the genocide remain inadequate, citing persistent structural inequalities, land dispossession and socio-economic marginalisation.

[…].

– Nampa”

Editor’s note:

On 12 April 1893 the German Schutztruppe under commander Curt von Francois attacked Hornkranz / Hoornkrans west of Rehoboth. It was the settlement of Oorlam-Nama Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, who refused to accept German supremacy by signing a ‘Schutzvertrag’ (Protection Treaty). The German soldiers killed about 80 Witbooi Naman including dozens of women and children.