Deep divisions over Namibian genocide

Descendants of the 1904-1908 genocide in Namibia say they remain united against Germany in their pursuit of reparations for the colonial-era crime. New Era reports that the Nama and Ovaherero traditional leaders have expressed unhappiness over the handling of the genocide issue by the Namibian Government, which they labelled ‘a political game’. In a joint statement by traditional chiefs Vekuii Rukoro and Gaob Johannes Isaak, the groups said neither the Namibian nor the German Government has undertaken any effort to restore relationships with the affected Nama and Ovaherero communities. ‘The Geingob administration simply does not have the political capacity or will to negotiate on our behalf. Dr (Hage) Geingob is also incorrect in his claim that we have been divided by Germany,’ they said. They said the German Government first needed to acknowledge the genocide which was ‘in violation of international law’.