EDITORIAL: Disunity mars Genocide Day

The genocide wounds cut deep, but the disunity and the discord among the tribes cut deepest. That is something about human nature. African human nature precisely. They demand one thing. And when they get it, then another demand is made. The honouring and acceptance of the Genocide Remembrance Day by the government should have united not only those directly affected but every Namibian. This is not the case, however. Instead, divisions deepen and demands multiply.The government and some Herero and Nama factions agreed on the May 28 date. But some Nama groups want 22 April, when an extermination order was issued against their ancestors. Some Herero groups prefer 2 October, when an extermination order was issued against their ancestors. But it's not only about increased demands and changing goalposts but also about disunity. Especially now with the Damaras and San saying their ancestors also suffered at the hands of the Germans. With all this, no wonder why the Germans seem not to be bothered. The tribes are fighting each other. Yes, the genocide issue is a sensitive matter, but such disunity makes it child's play. Couldn't people agree on one thing and one way as a united front? The Jews have done that. They are still receiving billions through the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.The Jews have clearly stated what they want as a collective. But what exactly do the tribes in Namibia want? They have put forward three different figures: N$9 trillion, N$450 billion and N$250 billion – yet they cannot agree on a single amount.So, which figure should the Germans honour? Who should lead and who should the Germans listen to? What role must the government play? Can't this pain be collective, as it is in most cultures? Or are Namibians different?

EDITORIAL: Disunity mars Genocide Day

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-18

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EDITORIAL: Disunity mars Genocide Day

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-18

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