Namibia, Germany reaffirm reconciliation on Genocide Remembrance Day

Staff Reporter GERMAN Ambassador Thorsten Hutter joined other officials in Lüderitz as Namibia observed Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May 2026, with commemorations held across the country, paying tribute to victims of the 1904–1908 colonial war and reiterating commitments to reconciliation between Namibia and Germany. The day marks the anniversary of 28 May 1908, when the order was given to close concentration camps used during the genocide against the Herero and Nama people in then German South West Africa. Commemorations were held in Lüderitz, Swakopmund and Windhoek, bringing together government representatives, traditional leaders, civil society and diplomatic missions.

In Lüderitz, Ambassador Hutter attended the main commemoration at Shark Island, where he described the day as a solemn moment of remembrance and reflection on what he termed the darkest chapter of German colonial rule in Namibia. He said Germany remains committed to the path of reconciliation and acknowledgement of historical responsibility. Photos: German Embassy Windhoek/Genocide Museum Swakopmund/Ministry of Information and Communication Technology – Republic of Namibia “Reconciliation between the affected communities of the genocide and Germany is a process of healing and of understanding.