Netumbo ‘in the dark’ about genocide deal

JEMIMA BEUKESWINDHOEKNamibia’s international relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says she is not privy to the details of genocide settlement agreement allegedly reached between Namibia and Germany.International media recently reported that Namibia and Germany had reached an agreement, which would include a formal apology by German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, for these atrocities against Namibians.It was also reported that the reconciliation agreement would include additional aid payments towards infrastructure, healthcare and job-training programmes in areas of Namibia populated by the descendants of the Herero and Nama tribes.However, a week after the news broke, the country’s foreign affairs minister said she had no clue what the actual agreement entailed, and could not comment on Germany’s reluctance to make direct financial payments to affected communities.“I don’t know what the Germans are saying, but if they are saying they have agreed, I wonder if there is anything that is in a barter form. No, I have not seen the settlement myself. Do you train without money? Do you do anything without money?“They must really explain. I have been in communication with Germany and I have emphasised that whatever will be our outcome must be really something that can move our corporation ahead.“I mean, this must be something that can really be agreed upon by both parties, especially the Namibians from the affected area,” she said.CommunicationMeanwhile, Namibia’s special envoy on the Nama-Herero genocide, Zed Ngavirue, confirmed that he had communicated the details of the settlement to the Namibian government.“Obviously the German government will send money to Namibia. Unless you mean cash to individuals, but money will be sent to Namibia. A body set up by the Namibian government and the affected communities will manage the money,” he said.Germany’s ambassador to Namibia, Herbert Beck, last week said they still had to be briefed on the details of the settlement and what role they would play in its implementation.jemima@namibiansun.com

Netumbo ‘in the dark’ about genocide deal

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-07

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Netumbo ‘in the dark’ about genocide deal

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-07

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