By Koviao Matuzee
Calls for the 1904–1908 genocide of the OvaHerero and Nama to remain on the international agenda have resurfaced following President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Nandi-Ndaitwah spoke about historical injustices, including the transatlantic slave trade and reparative justice, but did not mention the genocide committed against the OvaHerero and Nama under German colonial rule.
The omission has prompted renewed calls from genocide descendants and political voices for Namibia to continue raising its colonial history at international forums.
The spokespeson of the Okandjoze Chiefs Assembly on Genocide Hirukuevi Ratauka Kaapama said the genocide should remain part of Namibia’s engagements with the international community, particularly in discussions on historical injustices and reparations.
Kaapama said raising the genocide at international forums could support Namibia’s engagements with Germany on acknowledgement, apology and reparations.
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Human Rights Officer Joyce Muzengua said the issue should not depend solely on whether it is mentioned in a particular speech.
“The central issue goes beyond whether the President mentioned the genocide in one particular speech,” Muzengua said.
She said the Namibian Government should unequivocally acknowledge the 1904–1908 extermination of the OvaHerero and Nama as genocide and pursue reparations.
Muzengua said reparations should not be treated as development assistance, charity or a political grant, but as part of addressing the consequences of the historical crime.
She said the state also had a responsibility to ensure that its position remained consistent with the Constitution, resolutions of the National Assembly and Namibia’s obligations under international law.
Muzengua said Namibia should continue using platforms such as the United Nations and African Union to keep the issue of colonial crimes and reparations on the international agenda.
