Nama and Ovaherero rejects joint declaration signing

The Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) and the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) have strongly rejected the impending conclusion of the joint declaration on reparations for the 1904–1908 Nama and Ovaherero genocide.The two groups argue that they have been excluded from the process, despite being direct descendants of the victims of one of history’s first genocides. Gaob Dawid Hanse, vice chairperson of the NTLA, claims that traditional leaders have been deliberately sidelined in favour of a government-to-government negotiation framework. He insists that as representatives of the affected communities, they should play a central role in shaping any agreements.This rejection follows a recent report by Namibian Sun that Namibia’s Cabinet has directed the signing of the controversial joint declaration between Namibia and Germany before March 2025. According to sources close to the negotiations, Namibia’s minister of international relations Peya Mushelenga and Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock are expected to sign the document, which may be tabled in the German parliament by the end of January.Germany has offered €1.1 billion (approximately N$18 billion) over 30 years, despite affected communities demanding N$1.1 trillion. The draft agreement includes funding for upliftment, reconstruction, reconciliation, and development.“Our position has always been that Germany must assume full responsibility for colonial crimes committed in its former colonies. This position of the NTLA has been consistent since our first meeting with the Namibian government. We reiterate this position every time Namibia and Germany present new schemes like the recent joint declaration roadshow,” Hanse said.Hanse criticised the theoretical foundations of the joint declaration, describing them as colonial, racist, and dehumanising. He argued that the agreement continues to marginalise the Nama people and offers little benefit to the victim communities.The NTLA has also condemned Germany’s careful wording in the draft, which avoids terms like "reparations" and minimises legal accountability. Instead of reparations, Germany’s financial commitment is framed as "atonement" for past atrocities. Similarly, Lothar von Trotha’s extermination orders are referred to merely as an "order."The late Zed Ngavirue, Namibia’s former special envoy on genocide, previously explained that while Germany accepts the term "genocide," it avoids "reparations" to prevent legal consequences and claims from other African countries affected by German colonialism.“We call on His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba to listen to the plight of his people,” Hanse appealed.

Nama and Ovaherero rejects joint declaration signing

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Nama and Ovaherero rejects joint declaration signing

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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