Okandjoze chiefs reject genocide joint declaration

The Okandjoze Chiefs Assembly has come out in firm opposition to the genocide joint declaration between Namibia and Germany, putting pressure on the new administration’s efforts to finalise the long-standing matter.

In a strongly worded statement issued this week, the assembly rejected the current agreement, agreed upon by the Namibian and German governments in 2021, and called instead for an all-inclusive national conference on genocide.

“The Okandjoze Chiefs Assembly has expressed strong rejection of the joint declaration and called for an all-inclusive national conference on genocide as a nation or under the auspices of the United Nations should our own not yield the much-desired results,” the statement read.

The development comes as vice president Lucia Witbooi is conducting a regional consultation tour to engage traditional leaders on the issue.

She met with chiefs in the //Kharas and Hardap regions on Tuesday, before heading to the Omaheke region as part of her ongoing outreach.

“First, we demand full recognition by all governments and international institutions of the Nama and Ovaherero genocide as penned down in those extermination orders. Let the truth be spoken plainly and without compromise.”

“Second, we call for meaningful reparations. True justice goes beyond symbolic gestures. It must include reparative action: economic, social and cultural support that restores dignity and empowers future generations,” the statement says.

The assembly has also insisted on full inclusion of traditional leaders and genocide descendants in all negotiations and discussions.

“Our voices are not optional. They are essential. And lastly, we pledge to preserve the memory: through monuments, education and continued advocacy. We will ensure that this history is never silenced again,” they say.

Each traditional leader under the assembly has been requested to be accompanied by two councillors or advisers, and is also urged to contact the vice president’s supporting staff as per their respective regions.

Former member of parliament Usutuaije Maamberua tabled a motion for a genocide remembrance day in 2016.

His reason at the time was that it was on this day that the commander of the colonial German Schutztruppe ordered the formal closure of all Ovaherero and Nama concentration camps in then German South West Africa, now known as Namibia since independence in 1990.

“This day is for all Namibians, and is not just about commemoration. It is to educate our children and for nation building,” he had said.

In the meantime, the assembly did not show up at Shark Island where a visit was made recently.

“Though we equally took due consideration in the affirmative, time was too short and the opportunity slipped between our fingers. The same could have happened again today as we only learned of this invitation last night, but determination and the will of our ancestors permitted us to be here with you,” they say.

Meanwhile, the faction of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) headed by paramount chief Mutjinde Katjiua yesterday rejected the government’s decision to commemorate the genocide on 28 May.

“The 28th of May was the day when the Ovaherero people were taken from a frying pan (concentration camp) into the fire (German labour camp), nothing to celebrate there. At least the Jews were set free, therefore, they had reason to celebrate, the Ovaherero people were not set free, they were enslaved,” OTA director general Itamunua Meroro says.

He says the day that brought horrific misery to the Ovaherero people is 2 October 1904.

“The Ovaherero people have been commemorating this day for over 20 years now. The 2nd of October is the day that has a historic meaning. The extermination order of Lothar von Trotha was clear that the Ovaherero people must cease to exist.

“We have no qualms with those who find meaning or joy in commemorating a day that was used as publicity for the international community. We shall continue to commemorate the 2nd of October as that is the day that brought us misery and suffering that we endure till today,” Meroro says.