JUST IN: Germany finally agrees to killing of thousands of Namibians during colonialism
Germany has finally agreed that it committed genocide during its colonial-era occupation of Namibia and officially announced a financial support gesture.
Germany has finally agreed that it committed genocide during its colonial-era occupation of Namibia and officially announced financial support scheme.
Historically, you will recall that German colonizers between 1884 to 1915 killed tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people there in early 20th Century massacres. However, have been denying the occurrence of such.
The atrocities committed have been described by historians as “the forgotten genocide” of the early 20th Century, in what was then known as German South-West Africa.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Friday acknowledged the killings as genocide.
“In light of Germany’s historical and moral responsibility, we will ask Namibia and the descendants of the victims for forgiveness,” he said.
Mr. Maas added that Germany would, in a “gesture to recognise the immense suffering inflicted on the victims”, support the country’s development through a programme worth more than €1.1bn (£940m; $1.34bn).
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Moreso, the agreement will reportedly see funding paid over 30 years through spending on infrastructure, healthcare and training programmes benefiting the impacted communities.
“We will now officially refer to these events as what they are from today’s perspective: genocide,” Mr. Maas said in Friday’s statement, adding that colonial-era actions should be discussed “without sparing or glossing over”.
A spokesman for the Namibian government told the AFP news agency that Germany’s recognition was “a first step in the right direction”.
