Kaaronda accuses govt of ‘betraying’ genocide descendants
Swanu leader and parliamentarian Evilastus Kaaronda has accused the Namibian government of betraying the descendants of the Ovaherero and Nama genocide victims by actively funding legal efforts to oppose their court case seeking to hold Germany accountable for colonial-era atrocities.
In a strongly worded statement issued yesterday, Kaaronda said it was “a profound betrayal of justice, national interest, and moral responsibility” for the government to use taxpayer money to challenge an application before the High Court that seeks to compel Germany to answer for the genocide committed between 1904 and 1908.
“Who authorised the use of Namibian taxpayer money to oppose our own people, in a matter of such profound historical and moral significance?” he asked.
“There is no justification for using public resources to shield the German government from legal accountability while silencing the calls for justice from Namibia’s own citizens.”
Kaaronda further accused the government of eroding trust among affected communities, saying its stance reinforced the perception that it cannot be trusted to represent the interests of genocide descendants in negotiations or legal proceedings with Germany.
“By funding a legal defence that aligns with Germany’s interests rather than standing with the victims, government has clearly chosen a side — and it is not the side of justice,” he charged.
The MP also criticised National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for allegedly blocking a question by Landless People’s Movement (LPM) lawmaker Utaara Mootu, who had sought clarity from the prime minister on the issue. Kaaronda described the move as “a disturbing disregard for democratic accountability”.
He demanded that government disclose how much has been paid to lawyers handling the case, identify those contracted, and explain the legal basis for the decision. He also called for Parliament to institute an inquiry into the use of public funds for the matter.
Kaaronda further proposed that an independent representative structure be established for the Ovaherero and Nama communities to lead all future engagements and legal processes related to the 1904–1908 genocide and reparations.
“The Namibian government cannot claim to uphold justice and national sovereignty while simultaneously standing in the way of its own citizens seeking legal redress,” Kaaronda said.
“As a nation born from the struggle against injustice and colonial brutality, we must never allow our government to side with perpetrators over victims.”
The government is yet to respond to the allegations.
In a strongly worded statement issued yesterday, Kaaronda said it was “a profound betrayal of justice, national interest, and moral responsibility” for the government to use taxpayer money to challenge an application before the High Court that seeks to compel Germany to answer for the genocide committed between 1904 and 1908.
“Who authorised the use of Namibian taxpayer money to oppose our own people, in a matter of such profound historical and moral significance?” he asked.
“There is no justification for using public resources to shield the German government from legal accountability while silencing the calls for justice from Namibia’s own citizens.”
Kaaronda further accused the government of eroding trust among affected communities, saying its stance reinforced the perception that it cannot be trusted to represent the interests of genocide descendants in negotiations or legal proceedings with Germany.
“By funding a legal defence that aligns with Germany’s interests rather than standing with the victims, government has clearly chosen a side — and it is not the side of justice,” he charged.
The MP also criticised National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for allegedly blocking a question by Landless People’s Movement (LPM) lawmaker Utaara Mootu, who had sought clarity from the prime minister on the issue. Kaaronda described the move as “a disturbing disregard for democratic accountability”.
He demanded that government disclose how much has been paid to lawyers handling the case, identify those contracted, and explain the legal basis for the decision. He also called for Parliament to institute an inquiry into the use of public funds for the matter.
Kaaronda further proposed that an independent representative structure be established for the Ovaherero and Nama communities to lead all future engagements and legal processes related to the 1904–1908 genocide and reparations.
“The Namibian government cannot claim to uphold justice and national sovereignty while simultaneously standing in the way of its own citizens seeking legal redress,” Kaaronda said.
“As a nation born from the struggle against injustice and colonial brutality, we must never allow our government to side with perpetrators over victims.”
The government is yet to respond to the allegations.
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Namibian Sun
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