President Hage Geingob has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing reparation engagements between Namibia and Germany.
Geingob received a status update from the Special Envoy, Ambassador Dr Zed Ngavirue on the Negotiations on Genocide, Apology and Reparations (GAR) Between Namibia and Germany on Tuesday.
President Geingob called the meeting ahead of the final round of negotiations on a date that is yet to be
announced.
Close to five years have passed following the appointment of Special Envoys by the Governments of Namibia and Germany, including the commencement of negotiations.
“Between 2015 and 2020, eight rounds of negotiations have taken place, alternating between Berlin, Germany and Namibia. Moreover, 15 meetings of the Special Political Cabinet Committee (SPCC) on Genocide, Apology and Reparations Chaired by the Vice President have taken place” a statement from State House said
According to the Presidency the last round, the 8th meeting between the Special Envoys was held in Swakopmund from 12-13 February 2020.
Ambassador Ngavirue informed President Geingob that at the conclusion of the 8th round of negotiations, the Namibian and German negotiating teams agreed on a draft declaration, stressing a narrative of Genocidal events committed by German Imperial Troops in Namibia, and which took place between 1904-1908.
The German Government citing political and moral responsibility has agreed to render an unconditional apology to the Namibian Government, her people and in particular the affected communities.
Although Genocide is a punishable crime according to the United Nations Convention on Genocide, signed on 9 December 1948 and effective on 12 January 1951, the German and Namibian Government have agreed on a political settlement.
