German-speaking Namibians offended by land grab threats

JEMIMA BEUKES WINDHOEKGerman-speaking Namibians said they are disturbed by threats made last week that land some of them own may be taken away from them forcefully as retaliation against Germany’s offer of N$18.6 billion in genocide reparations.Sections within the OvaHerero, OvaMbanderu and Nama communities are deeply dissatisfied with the way in which the negotiations took place and the amount finally agreed upon between the two negotiating teams representing Namibian and Germany.“Some of those reactions and in particular the tone used are neither acceptable nor helpful. We take particular exception to open as well as veiled threats against landowners and German-speaking Namibians. These could harm future efforts to reconcile and to find a peaceful way forward,” Harald Hecht, the chairperson of the Forum of German-Speaking Namibians, said.“The forum wishes to remind respective discontented individuals that German-speaking Namibians are citizens of this country, equal before the law, and with equal rights and responsibilities,” he added.In good faithHecht added that German-speaking Namibians are willing to reach out to the affected communities, taking into account their shared history, and work towards a better future.“We regard the negotiations as having been conducted in good faith, according to the letter and spirit of the motion in Parliament by late Kuaima Riruako between the two governments and with the participation of representatives of the affected communities.”“We, therefore, strongly appeal to all Namibian citizens to desist from exploiting the ongoing process to incite violence, thereby destabilising our nation. The forum intends to assist in this process through the promotion of dialogue whenever and wherever we can meaningfully do so, in the spirit of reconciliation and as manifested in the Namibian Constitution,” he said.The group welcomed Germany’s N$18.9 billion compensation package for the 1904-08 Nama and Ovaherero genocide, andHecht said they empathise with those who endured the atrocious actions of the genocide.They also welcome the official apology to be delivered by Germany’s highest office-bearer, president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to the affected communities and the Namibian people.jemima@nambiansun.com

German-speaking Namibians offended by land grab threats

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-14

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German-speaking Namibians offended by land grab threats

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-14

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