Despite some disapproval, Namibia expected to sign colonial-era compensation deal with Germany says Chief Negotiator

Despite some disapproval, Namibia expected to sign colonial-era compensation deal with Germany says Chief Negotiator

Last week, Germany publicly took responsibility for the colonial-era genocide Namibians suffered under their rule in the early 20th century. The German Empire occupied Namibia from 1884 to 1915, during which it is estimated the colonizers have murdered tens of thousands of people. Germany offered a reconciliation deal to Namibia, which is set to include a monetary compensation of 1.1 billion euros in development projects over 30 years and a public acknowledgment of the harm caused by the colonizers. 

 

While the two states have been in negotiations to determine the terms of reconciliation, the deal has received mixed reactions from community leaders. While the Ovaherero/OvaMbanderu and Nama council stated their willingness to accept the agreement, Herero and Nama leaders released a statement expressing their disapproval. Although none of them believe that monetary compensation can undo the suffering, the Ovaherero/OvaMbanderu and Nama council, which includes 21 tribal chiefs, stated that Germany claiming responsibility is a step in the right direction to restoring Namibian’s dignity. Still, Herero and Nama leaders call the financial offer insulting.

 

Despite demands for renegotiating the deal by some chiefs, and the outright rejection of it by others, Namibia's Chief Negotiator, Zed Ngavirue, expressed confidence in the two states moving forward with the agreement. Stating that the goal was to receive an acknowledgment of the harm done, an apology, and compensation, which Germany was willing to offer. Ngavirue agrees that monetary compensation will never erase the pain caused by colonizers but ultimately believes that the Namibian government was realistic in what it could receive as a part of the reconciliation agreement. 

 

For more information, please see https://www.dw.com/en/namibias-chief-negotiator-says-he-expects-deal-with-germany-to-be-signed/a-57773718