Dausab outlines genocide duties for new parliament

Former justice minister Yvonne Dausab has underlined the responsibilities of Namibia’s recently sworn-in parliament in addressing the long-standing issue of genocide, which continues to stir division within communities.Speaking at a high-level panel panel discussion on women’s leadership and reparations in Windhoek this week, Dausab said this parliament would be the third legislative body to deliberate on the complex and unresolved matter.The event, held at a local hotel, was organised by the Open Society Foundations (OSF) in collaboration with the Action Namibia Coalition. Panellists included Namibia’s Vice-President Lucia Witbooi, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker Inna Hengari, OSF managing director Brian Kangaro and Dausab herself.Dausab emphasised the need to document Namibia’s historical narrative from a local perspective. “The debate around genocide has now taken place across three parliaments,” she said. “It began in 2006 with the fifth parliament, continued with the seventh, and will now proceed within the eighth parliament," she said.Dausab added that given new developments surrounding the negotiations with Germany and the joint declaration, "this process will generate important records and form a vital database for research.”She further argued that Namibia’s history must be revisited and retold from an African perspective. “Much of our history will have to be re-written. As Africans and Namibians, we must provide the narrative that reflects our truth.”Highlighting the unique composition of the current parliament, Dausab praised its diversity and youthfulness. She also stressed the critical role women lawmakers will play in shaping the nation’s future and confronting its past.“The eighth parliament has been commended for being both youthful and diverse. It presents a significant opportunity for members – particularly women – to influence how we engage with historical injustices,” she noted.The panel discussion underscored the key contributions of women in driving the reparations movement, particularly within the context of Namibia’s colonial legacy. It also echoed the African Union’s declaration of 2025 as the &#039;Year of Justice for People of African Descent&#039;, stressing the global need for unity, recognition, and accountability.Reclaiming voices During the event, Witbooi acknowledged the complexities of pursuing reparations, stating: “The road to reparations is rarely linear, but the message is clear: Africa is reclaiming its history and the associated loss of land, cultural items, family remains and other possessions, along with the call for appropriate reparations.”She welcomed the platform for inclusive dialogue and affirmed her commitment to listening. “As the new vice-president, I intend to consider the suggestions emerging from platforms such as this,” she said.Reflecting on Namibia’s liberation struggle, Witbooi honoured the central role women played. “It was a fight for dignity, justice and the right to define our future. Namibian women were architects of resistance and pillars of hope.”Addressing the country’s post-colonial challenges, she called for political maturity, inclusive public consultation and a bold yet pragmatic approach to the pursuit of justice and reparations.

Dausab outlines genocide duties for new parliament

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Dausab outlines genocide duties for new parliament

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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