The Namibian and German Governments’ Post-Colonial Colonialism

Bolateral German-Namibian talks on a joint declaration for colonial genocide strip community representatives of a meaningful voice, reducing the most affected indigenous groups to passive observers.

The responsibility for this rests with the Namibian government. But the German government is an accomplice.

Germany is set on avoiding full recognition of the genocide. Its admission comes with the caveat that it was a crime from today’s perspective.

This is legally relevant to avoid any obligation for reparations.

A piecemeal atonement negotiated an apology and funds for development in regions where most descendants of the affected communities live.

As a bilateral agreement between governments, the German parliament will not be consulted before adoption. Nor has German civil society been involved.

Declared as reconciliation, it degrades mutual understanding between peoples (völkerverständigung) to a farce.