WINDHOEK – Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has declared that it is “high time” for Germany to formally apologize to Namibia for the genocide committed against the Nama and Ovaherero peoples between 1904 and 1908. Steinmeier’s statement came during his speech at the memorial service for the late Namibian President Hage Geingob on Saturday, a day before Geingob’s burial. The German leader reflected on his conversation with Geingob late last year, highlighting the Namibian president’s desire for the two nations to finalize a joint declaration that would elevate their special relationship to a new level.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Germany remains dedicated to the path of reconciliation with Namibia, emphasizing that reconciliation involves taking responsibility for past actions and committing to a shared, better future. Steinmeier expressed hope for a return visit to Namibia under different circumstances to offer an apology directly, lamenting that President Geingob would not be present to see the culmination of the process he initiated.
The joint declaration between Germany and Namibia acknowledges Germany’s role in the 1904-1908 genocide and includes commitments to reparations and development support for the affected communities. However, there remains a significant disparity between the expectations of the affected communities and the Namibian government regarding the €1.1 billion offered by Germany as a final settlement, highlighting ongoing discussions about the extent of the reparations and the path towards genuine reconciliation.