Genocide and the imperative of remembrance

The Ovaherero and Nama genocide has recently gained attention following the late president Hage Geingob's condemnation of Germany's decision to support Israel at the International Court of Justice. This has sparked discontent among the Ovaherero and Nama communities, who feel that the Namibian government has failed to adequately support their cause and remember the atrocities committed against its people between 1904 and 1908.

There is a growing sentiment that the State has selective ly sensational is ed this part of history to serve its agenda. As a young Omuherero individual, I have been immersed in a culture of remembrance that is deeply ingrained in our traditions and practices. From the naming of individuals to the commemoration of heroes in memorial graveyards, our culture emphasises the importance of understanding and remembering the genocide that befell our people.

The significance of this remembrance became even more apparent to me when I lost my grandfather at the beginning of 2019. His burial at Ozombu zo Vindimba, a graveyard in the Otjinene constituency, led me to investigate the origins of its name. I discovered that the name translates to ‘a pan of skin sores', a haunting reminder of the time when German soldiers poisoned water sources in the Omaheke region. Drinking the contaminated water caused skin ulcers, which eventually became septic without medical attention, leading to the deaths of many Ovaherero and Nama people. Discovering this deeply horrifying revelation made me realise there are countless untold stories and unremembered places that hold deep historical significance. I pondered how many other Namibians were unaware that such a place existed or of the relevant piece of history attached to its name, and how the significance of such a place withered away, forgotten. Despite the efforts made towards reconciliation between the German and Namibian governments, there has been no formal acceptable acknowledgement or apology for the genocide by the German government. While many states and entities recognise the moral obligation to make amends as components of a reparative strategy for addressing wrongdoing like an apology, forgiveness, contrition, atonement and reconciliation, they refrain from methods that would suggest any legal acknowledgement of the wrongdoing for fear of opening Pandora's box. As a result, all apologies offered have been devoid of sincerity and meaningful admission of wrongdoing – and have thus been rejected by the descendants of the victims of the genocide.

The affected communities' continued advocacy for recognition is often met with indifference and accusations of tribalistic intent, further exacerbating the politicisation and sensationalism of their plight.

The absence of a designated day of genocide remembrance in Namibia is striking, especially within a national culture that otherwise celebrates and honours remembrance. It raises the question: if we, as Namibians, do not acknowledge and give importance to this part of our history, how can we expect that Germany should?

It is evident that there is a wealth of information about the genocide within the Ovaherero and Nama communities that remains unknown to many Namibians. This is due to the strong culture of remembrance within these communities, which unfortunately is not widely exposed to the broader population. Because of the lack of State involvement, this knowledge and organised ceremonies that memorialise the genocide remain mainly within these communities.

However, it is crucial to recognise that the genocide is not solely a part of Ovaherero and Nama history but an integral part of Namibian history. To remember is to pay tribute, and to pay tribute is to honour. Every Namibian should have the opportunity to learn about and remember this dark chapter in our nation's past. It is imperative that our nation come together to commemorate the lives lost during the genocide and to share in the grief of the descendants. This should be a collective endeavour – not solely the responsibility of the affected communities and their leaders.

By acknowledging and remembering the genocide, we honour the memory of those who perished and reaffirm our commitment to a more just and inclusive society.