Namibian group challenges genocide accord at UN

The Ovaherero Traditional Authority says it has not ruled out taking legal action against the Namibian and German Governments over May’s joint declaration on the genocide of 1904 to 1908. The Namibian reports that the group said it was considering approaching either local or German courts because Windhoek failed to consult the Ovaherero and Nama people who were largely affected by the genocide. The agreement stated that Germany would acknowledge the genocide, that President Frank-Walter Steinmeier would deliver an apology and that the former colonial power would pay Namibia N$18bn ($1.2bn) towards reconciliation and development programmes. The genocide saw 65 000 Ovaherero and 10 000 Nama people massacred by German soldiers. Ovaherero paramount chief Vekuii Rukoro said the authority has submitted a petition to the UN to cancel the current joint declaration.