Genocide: Germany willing to apologise

Outgoing German Ambassador to Namibia, Thorsten Hütter, has expressed optimism that Namibia and Germany will strengthen their partnership and conclude the long-awaited Joint Declaration (JD) by the end of 2026.

This follows a farewell courtesy call on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last week.

The ambassador also touched on discussions around the JD, an agreement aimed at addressing the legacy of Germany’s colonial-era genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people.

The JD remains one of the most closely watched issues in Namibia-Germany relations as it seeks to address the genocide committed by German colonial forces against the Ovaherero and Nama people between 1904 and 1908. Although negotiations have progressed over the years, both governments are still working towards finalising the agreement.

Hütter said discussions with affected communities during his tenure convinced him that many Namibians want both recognition of the past and a stronger partnership for the future.