Cabinet 'approves' genocide joint declaration
Germany prefers 'atonement', not 'reparations'
According to officials close to the matter, the parties have set themselves a target to put the pen on the dotted lines before March this year.
Cabinet has allegedly directed that the controversial joint declaration between Namibia and Germany on reparations for the Nama and Ovaherero genocide be signed before March 2025, according to sources close to the negotiation process.
The document, to be signed by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations Peya Mushelenga and Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, is expected to be tabled in the German parliament by the end of January.
“Cabinet has instructed that it must be signed and presented in the Bundestag by the end of January. Our parliaments will also sit to ratify it so Germany can apologise and sign it,” a source told Namibian Sun.
Mushelenga has not responded to enquiries regarding the matter, and efforts to get comment from secretary to cabinet George Simataa proved futile.
Key points in the declaration
The draft refers to Lothar von Trotha’s extermination orders as an "order" and avoids the term "reparations." Instead, it describes Germany’s financial commitment as an atonement for past atrocities. The late Zed Ngavirue, Namibia’s former special envoy on genocide, explained that while Germany accepts the term “genocide,” it avoids “reparations” to sidestep legal repercussions and potential claims from other African countries affected by German colonialism.
Germany’s offer remains at €1.1 billion (approximately N$18 billion) over 30 years, despite the affected communities demanding N$1.1 trillion. The draft, however, pledges additional funding for upliftment, reconstruction, reconciliation, and development.
"Both governments share the understanding that these amounts mentioned above settle all financial aspects of the issues relating to the past in this joint declaration," the draft states. However, it acknowledges Germany’s commitment to providing further funding based on consultations with the Namibian government and affected communities.
Community reactions and additional provisions
The draft has faced widespread rejection within Namibia, with protests over the perceived inadequacy of the offer. President Nangolo Mbumba previously remarked that the amount was insufficient.
Germany has also proposed support for descendants in the diaspora, including assistance for those wishing to return to Namibia or remain in their current locations. A reconciliation trust fund will be established to promote reconciliation and fund development projects in affected regions, including Hardap, ?Kharas, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, and Khomas.
"The Namibian government and its people accept Germany’s apology and believe it paves the way to a lasting mutual understanding and consolidation of a special relationship between the two nations,” the draft declaration noted.
Geopolitical considerations
Vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is set to become Namibia’s president in March, last year urged affected communities to carefully consider their demands. She highlighted the challenges of relying on external organizations for reparations and the risks posed by the polarized international political landscape.
Speaking during the opening of the Chiefs Forum meeting in Windhoek in June 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked that geopolitical developments could affect the outcome, suggesting the communities might either miss out or face prolonged negotiations.
“Banking our hopes on external organizations for a genocide committed over 120 years ago by one of the world’s economic powers may not help, particularly in this highly polarized international political order,” she said at the Chiefs Forum in June 2024.
Next steps
With both countries set to ratify the agreement, the focus will shift to finalizing the additional funding framework and ensuring transparency in the disbursement of funds for development projects.
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The document, to be signed by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations Peya Mushelenga and Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, is expected to be tabled in the German parliament by the end of January.
“Cabinet has instructed that it must be signed and presented in the Bundestag by the end of January. Our parliaments will also sit to ratify it so Germany can apologise and sign it,” a source told Namibian Sun.
Mushelenga has not responded to enquiries regarding the matter, and efforts to get comment from secretary to cabinet George Simataa proved futile.
Key points in the declaration
The draft refers to Lothar von Trotha’s extermination orders as an "order" and avoids the term "reparations." Instead, it describes Germany’s financial commitment as an atonement for past atrocities. The late Zed Ngavirue, Namibia’s former special envoy on genocide, explained that while Germany accepts the term “genocide,” it avoids “reparations” to sidestep legal repercussions and potential claims from other African countries affected by German colonialism.
Germany’s offer remains at €1.1 billion (approximately N$18 billion) over 30 years, despite the affected communities demanding N$1.1 trillion. The draft, however, pledges additional funding for upliftment, reconstruction, reconciliation, and development.
"Both governments share the understanding that these amounts mentioned above settle all financial aspects of the issues relating to the past in this joint declaration," the draft states. However, it acknowledges Germany’s commitment to providing further funding based on consultations with the Namibian government and affected communities.
Community reactions and additional provisions
The draft has faced widespread rejection within Namibia, with protests over the perceived inadequacy of the offer. President Nangolo Mbumba previously remarked that the amount was insufficient.
Germany has also proposed support for descendants in the diaspora, including assistance for those wishing to return to Namibia or remain in their current locations. A reconciliation trust fund will be established to promote reconciliation and fund development projects in affected regions, including Hardap, ?Kharas, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, and Khomas.
"The Namibian government and its people accept Germany’s apology and believe it paves the way to a lasting mutual understanding and consolidation of a special relationship between the two nations,” the draft declaration noted.
Geopolitical considerations
Vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is set to become Namibia’s president in March, last year urged affected communities to carefully consider their demands. She highlighted the challenges of relying on external organizations for reparations and the risks posed by the polarized international political landscape.
Speaking during the opening of the Chiefs Forum meeting in Windhoek in June 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked that geopolitical developments could affect the outcome, suggesting the communities might either miss out or face prolonged negotiations.
“Banking our hopes on external organizations for a genocide committed over 120 years ago by one of the world’s economic powers may not help, particularly in this highly polarized international political order,” she said at the Chiefs Forum in June 2024.
Next steps
With both countries set to ratify the agreement, the focus will shift to finalizing the additional funding framework and ensuring transparency in the disbursement of funds for development projects.
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