Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein has called on Namibians to unite if they want to succeed in getting the German government to deliver what is needed, including an apology and appropriate reparations for the genocide.
Schlettwein said this in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday while adding his voice to the protracted genocide debate.
He said the outcome of the genocide debate may change the way Namibians relate to each other, adding that he has observed that Namibians are regressing into being divided instead of unified.
Schlettwein noted that if Namibians stand divided now, it undermines the country’s chances to develop into a peaceful and prosperous nation and threatens the country’s young democracy and all the gains made to grow into a nation.
“We must stand together, only then will we have a chance to succeed in getting the German government to deliver what is needed, including an apology and appropriate reparations. We shall not succeed if we remain divided as we are,” he said.
The minister noted that it is impossible to put a monetary value on the loss of human lives, while it is also difficult to be satisfied with any amount of money for the terrible crimes committed against people.
He said what the joint declaration contains falls far short of what the Namibian government proposed and government, too, is not satisfied.
“We however believe it would be unwise to reject it lock, stock and barrel. I therefore support the motion. Let us not be led by hatred, but by respecting each other, let us not be blinded by short-term material gain, but let us strive for long lasting peace, without which any dream of prosperity will remain a pipedream,” said Schlettwein.
He further stated that he understands why the descendants of the affected groups want to take things into their own hands and directly engage the German government, but even if traditional leaders must be visible in their advice, leading negotiations is the responsibility of the government.
“A government-led negotiation is the only chance for success. I know it is a very bitter pill to swallow, but that is how democracies have to work,” Schlettwein said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
