Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has vowed to see through negotiations with Germany on reparations for the 1904–08 genocide, marking a renewed commitment to resolving the long-standing issue.
Speaking at the Inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah noted the need for unity and persistence in concluding the genocide and reparations agreement with Germany.
“We must remain committed that as a nation we shall soldier on until the ultimate conclusion is reached,” she said, calling for continued dialogue to secure a satisfactory settlement for the Ovaherero and Nama communities who were massacred during German colonial rule.
Between 1904 and 1908, German troops carried out a systematic extermination campaign against Ovaherero and Nama communities, killing over 100,000 people.
Thousands were forced into concentration camps where many died from starvation and forced labour.
German officials also exported victims’ remains to Europe for pseudoscientific racial studies.
Historians have called it the first genocide of the 20th century, drawing parallels to Nazi-era concentration camps.
Germany formally recognized the genocide in 2021 and offered €1.1 billion (about $1.34 billion) in development aid – but without direct reparations, a sticking point in negotiations.
Many Namibians rejected the deal, arguing it failed to deliver true justice.
While Germany has agreed to issue a formal apology, disputes remain over the amount and structure of compensation.
Some Ovaherero and Nama descendants demand direct land restitution, arguing that financial aid alone does not repair the economic devastation caused by colonial rule.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that Namibia would continue pushing for an agreement that directly benefits affected communities.
The holiday, observed for the first time in Namibia’s history, is set to be an annual reminder of the country’s resolve to honour victims and pursue justice.
JN/APA