Germany not sincere in genocide talks – Hanse

Jemima BeukesWINDHOEKDavid Hanse, Gaob of the !Khara-Khoen Nama sub-clan, said Germany’s failure to admit to genocide and render an apology to the descendants of the Nama and Ovaherero communities is a sign that they are not sincere in their negotiations with Namibia.Hanse, vice-chairperson of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association, is one of the people who told Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba that they are not interested in dialogue on the controversial joint declaration with Germany. That country offered Namibia N$18.4 billion in development aid in lieu of reparations.Mbumba recently called a meeting with the Nama chiefs to discuss the joint declaration. Despite having dismissed Germany’s offer as insufficient, he advocated for a rerun of negotiations; however, his calls fell on deaf ears.Hanse told Namibian Sun that they stand by the motion by the late Ovaherero Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako, who demanded that the affected communities negotiate directly with Germany while the Namibian government plays the role of overseer.“We will never bite on the joint declaration.“Our tears were running at that meeting when we asked why is it that our own government cannot see what horrible things the Germans did to our people.The most painful thing is that the genocide is documented in writing by the Germans themselves and illustrates how it has pushed us away from development and economic benefits,” he said.‘Where’s the apology?’“We have lost our ancestral wealth, our cultures, our land and our pride. We just hear rumours about the so-called apology, but where is the German apology? Are they giving apologies between the two governments or how is working?” Hanse asked.He also stressed that they will continue with their demands and lawsuits until Germany is willing to handle the genocide questions with respect and according to correct procedures. Mbumba confirmed that he met with the Nama chiefs who are not in favour of the joint declaration and said he is aware that they are not interested in government heading negotiations.“The last time we met, they said they will keep in touch with us. We had a long meeting, and we are still trying to find common ground. It is our responsibility as government to find a solution to this matter or until no one wants to talk about it any more and then we go our separate ways,” he said.jemima@namibiansun.com

Germany not sincere in genocide talks – Hanse

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-14

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Germany not sincere in genocide talks – Hanse

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-14

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