Remembrance Day Marked in Namibia: Commemoration of the Genocide by Germany - Memorial Day for Namibian Genocide by Germans
Historical Acknowledgement: Namibia Commemorates Genocide Anniversary
After a long-standing struggle for recognition, Namibia marked its first Genocide Remembrance Day on May 28, 2025. The solemn occasion honored the victims of the Herero and Nama genocide, perpetrated by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908. This dark period in history saw the systematic execution, forced displacement, and starvation of tens of thousands of indigenous people, predominantly in concentration camps.
The commemoration comes as a result of a nationwide process initiated in 2017, leading to the establishment of May 28 as Genocide Day by the Namibian government. This day was chosen to remember the closure of German-run concentration camps in 1907, signifying the end of systematic killings.
Germany, acknowledging its past atrocities, officially recognized the genocide in 2016 and has since pledged development aid to Namibia, amounting to 1.1 billion euros over the course of 30 years. This aid is primarily intended for social projects in the regions inhabited by the Herero and Nama people. However, the German government has resisted calls for direct reparations to the victims' descendants.
The Genocide Remembrance Day ceremony in Windhoek was attended by the German ambassador, Thorsten Hutter, who participated in a candle vigil and a minute of silence.
The genocide of the Herero and Nama people, considered the first of the 20th century, remains a deeply scarring chapter in Namibia's history. The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the past, and a testament to the nation's resolve in seeking justice and acknowledgement for its victims.
Negotiations regarding reparations and a formal apology from Germany continue, with the Namibian government working closely with affected communities to find a lasting solution. Some representatives of the Herero and Nama communities have advocated for recognizing October 2—the day of the extermination order—as a significant day of remembrance alongside May 28.
The Genocide Remembrance Day marks a critical step in Namibia's journey towards recognition, reparation, and healing from the wounds of its colonial past. It underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and resolution in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
- In light of the ongoing negotiations, Namibia's Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorated annually on May 28, serves as a reminder to the German government to actively participate in the discussions regarding reparations and a formal apology for the genocide of the Herero and Nama people.
- As politics and general news continue to evolve surrounding the Herero and Nama genocide, notably with the call for October 2 to be recognized as a significant day of remembrance alongside May 28, the late General-Governor of German South-West Africa, Lothar von Trotha, and his successor Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stand as symbols of the devastating effects of colonialism and the long-awaited path towards justice and healing in Namibia.
