JD mustn’t become an instrument of divisions

The debate in the German Bundestag on 14 and 15 October 2026 concerning the German colonial genocide in Namibia deserves serious consideration by the government of the Republic of Namibia, the German government, and all descendants of the affected communities. For more than ten years, the governments of Namibia and Germany have engaged in bilateral negotiations aimed at addressing Germany's historical responsibility, an official apology, reconciliation, and reparative measures for the descendants of communities affected by German colonial atrocities. Historical significance of 1904, 1905, and 1908: The extermination order against the Ovaherero was issued on 2 October 1904, followed by the order directed against the Nama on 22 April 1905.The year 1908 marks the closure and dismantling of the colonial concentration-camp system associated with these campaigns. It does not signify the end of German colonial oppression, land dispossession, forced labor, or the suffering of indigenous communities. The Damara and Sān experienced German colonial crime against humanity, slavery, forced labor, apartheid, rape, and dispossession of land post-Berlin Conference - colonization of what is today known as Namibia. Before and beyond the specific extermination orders. Henceforth the Damara and Sãn inclusion and historical claims must therefore be seen within the broader period of German colonial occupation, 1884–1915, and not restricted to 1904 -1908, which specifically focuses on the Nama and Ovaherero extermination orders. This distinction is particularly relevant to the Damara Kings' Council's argument for the rightful recognition and inclusion of Damara and Sān descendants in the benefits of the Joint Declaration. These negotiations have not taken place in complete isolation from the affected communities. Representatives of affected communities have participated in the process, although disagreements remain concerning the adequacy, legitimacy and inclusiveness of that representation.The assertion that the negotiations have taken place entirely without affected-community participation therefore requires qualification. The German Bundestag considered two opposition motions on 14 October 2026. The Left Party's motion, Bundestag Document 21/8540, calls for comprehensive reparations directly to descendants of the Ovaherero and Nama and rejects the existing Joint Declaration approach. The Greens' motion, Document 21/8541, goes further in expressly identifying the Ovaherero, Nama, Damara, and Sān among the communities subjected to Germany's colonial war of extermination. This recognition is particularly significant for the Damara and Sān communities, whose historical suffering must not be marginalized in the reconciliation and reparations process. Both motions were referred to the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee. Neither constitutes a final decision of the German government. The legitimacy of bilateral negotiations The government of the Republic of Namibia has the constitutional and international responsibility to represent the Namibian State and its citizens in relations with foreign governments. The participation of affected-community representatives strengthens this diplomatic process and provides an important foundation for a legitimate and inclusive settlement. Nevertheless, the government's diplomatic authority must be distinguished from the rights of affected communities to consultation, representation, historical recognition, and participation in decisions concerning reparations intended for their benefit. Affected descendants, including those living in the diaspora, should be encouraged to participate through transparent, representative, and accountable structures. Opposition must not indefinitely obstruct progress Differences of opinion concerning the Joint Declaration should be resolved through constructive engagement rather than permanent confrontation. The continued postponement of a satisfactory settlement risks prolonging the suffering of descendants who have waited generations for recognition and meaningful restorative measures. At the same time, criticism and peaceful advocacy, including petitions to the German Bundestag, are legitimate democratic activities. Such actions should not automatically be blamed for delays without evidence establishing their actual impact on the negotiations. The challenge is to ensure that legitimate differences do not become permanent obstacles to reconciliation. The government of the Republic of Namibia should now prioritize the formalization of a partnership agreement with the affected communities, including the Damara, Ovaherero, Nama, Sān, Ovambanderu and Ovahimba communities and descendants whose historical claims fall within the agreed scope. Such an agreement should clearly establish the recognition and representation of affected communities, their participation in the governance of the proposed Special Purpose Vehicle, and transparent allocation and administration of reparative funds, as well as direct and demonstrable benefits to affected descendants and their communities.The agreement should also establish accountability, financial reporting and independent oversight, protection against diversion of resources away from the intended beneficiaries and a clear roadmap towards final agreement, official apology and implementation. The affected communities should not be divided into permanent opposing camps of those supporting and those rejecting the Joint Declaration (JD). Instead, the governments of Namibia and Germany should facilitate a credible process through which outstanding concerns can be addressed without unnecessarily abandoning the progress already achieved. The JD must not become an instrument of division. It must become a foundation for historical justice, reconciliation, accountable governance, and tangible benefits to the descendants of the victims of German colonial atrocities. *Abner Axel Xoagub is a member of the Damara Kings' Council. He writes in his personal capacity.

JD mustn’t become an instrument of divisions

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-04

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JD mustn’t become an instrument of divisions

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-04

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