Namibia is set to make history by commemorating the genocide that shocked the world from 1904 to 1908 under German colonial rule with its first-ever Genocide Remembrance Day on May 28th. Often referred to as "Germany's forgotten genocide," this dark chapter in history resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70,000 Ovaherero and Nama people, whose resistance against colonial land seizure led to brutal reprisals, including concentration camps and pseudo-scientific experimentation.
This new national holiday is seen as part of Namibia's healing journey, featuring a solemn minute of silence and a candlelight vigil at the parliament in Windhoek. The date was strategically chosen to mark the closure of the concentration camps following international condemnation in 1907.
For years, many Namibians have sought reparations from Germany, which stripped control of South West Africa post-World War One. Although Germany officially acknowledged the atrocities in 2019 and offered €1.1 billion in development aid over three decades, Namibian leaders have rejected the offer, calling for a formal apology and meaningful reparations.
Various community activists have expressed skepticism about the sincerity of Germany's previous offer, viewing it as a measure that disregards the deep wounds inflicted upon their ancestors. They argue for the return of ancestral lands currently owned by German citizens to the Ovaherero and Nama descendants, asserting that financial compensation alone cannot remedy the historical injustices faced.
Historically, reparations demanded from the Ovaherero and Nama peoples during the colonial era comprised livestock payments amounting to as much as $8.8 million in today’s currency, a stark irony noted by historians when contrasted with Germany's contemporary stance on reparations.
The genocide's beginnings can be traced back to an extermination order issued by German official Lothar von Trotha, signaling an intent to destroy the indigenous populations without mercy. Scholar Martha Akawa-Shikufa illuminates the harrowing realities of concentration camps where many perished under torturous conditions, coupled with the chilling practice of sending remains to Germany for racial research.
In light of recent history where Germany has offered its political support concerning international legal issues, voices from Namibia have called for a true reckoning of the past. The persistent demand for justice resonates throughout the country as leaders and activists echo the sentiment that without full accountability, the impact of the genocide endures on multiple levels.
With a national memorial day now established, Namibia embarks on an emblematic path toward collective remembrance, underscoring the importance of honoring those lost while seeking redress for historical grievances.
