Lukato describes genocide deal as ‘peanuts’

KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU

National Democratic Party (NDP) president Martin Lukato Lukato has also joined the bandwagon of rejecting the N$18.5 billion genocide reparation deal between Namibia and Germany.

He described the offer as “peanuts” and said the interests of the affected communities were overlooked.

Lukato said the agreement should not be approved by the National Assembly as it does not speak to the wishes of the affected communities, the Herero and Nama in particular.

“They must agree with the affected communities and a reasonable amount should be paid and not the peanuts,” Lukato said.

“Those people made our people to suffer, they slaughtered the Hereros and the Namas, they captured their land and animals.”

Lukato said if his party were governing the country, it would have suspended the German embassy in Namibia until a reasonable deal was struck.

All opposition parties in parliament have rejected the deal on the grounds that the affected communities were not part of the negotiating team.

They further argue that the N$18.5 billion to be paid over a period of 30 years is unacceptable.

People suffering

Lukato was addressing a press conference upon his return from visiting a number of regions in the country, where he observed a high level of landlessness, poverty and suffering.

Lukato said many people are living in abject poverty, which he blamed on the ruling party as he argues that the country is rich in resources.

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