Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders chief Gaob Immanuel |Gaseb, has called on traditional authorities and communities affected by the 1904-1908 genocide to present a united front in the ongoing negotiations with Germany.
|Gaseb made the appeal during the inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day commemorated in Windhoek on Wednesday.
Between 1904 and 1908, the German colonial government brutally massacred over 100 000 Ovaherero and Nama people. This period was marked by mass killings, rape, forced slavery and land dispossession, all part of a deliberate policy of extermination and genocide. Negotiations between the Namibian and German governments regarding these atrocities have been underway since 2013.
“Let me call on all the traditional leaders and community members from the affected communities to rally as a solid block behind the ongoing genocide negotiations and keep our undivided support as a united community,” |Gaseb appealed.
|Gaseb also said he never thought talks about genocide and a day like the Genocide Remembrance Day would take place, and commended the Namibian government for prioritising peace and calm during the genocide negotiations.
“I appreciate the government of the Republic of Namibia for striving for peace and tranquillity and therefore I do believe that the government should pursue discourse of the genocide to its logical conclusion in peace and harmony,” he added.
Also speaking at the commemoration attended by various government leaders, traditional leaders and members of the public, vice president Lucia Witbooi said the commemoration of the Genocide Remembrance Day establishes Namibia’s dedication towards peace, stability and justice.
“By commemorating this painful chapter of Namibia’s history, the nation affirms its commitment to peace, stability and justice,” she stated.
Witbooi also added that the day teaches the youth about how resilient their forefathers were, while fostering national unity at the same time.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
