Germany and Namibia have finalized a joint declaration acknowledging the genocide committed during Germany’s colonial rule of South West Africa (1884–1915). The agreement includes Germany’s apology and $1.13 billion in funding over 30 years for development and reconciliation programs. However, it absolves Germany of legal consequences and does not concede reparations. Worse, the agreement excludes indigenous groups—particularly the Ovaherero and Nama, whose ancestors faced mass atrocities—from the negotiations. This violates the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The indigenous communities have since rejected the deal, calling it a betrayal by Namibia’s government. The groups have also sued the Namibian government, requesting that a judicial review declare the declaration as unlawful. Further hurdles include uncertainty in Germany’s political landscape, with upcoming elections possibly derailing the pact.
Source: The Conversation