The elitist approach deployed by the German and Namibian governments’ 1904-1908 genocide deal has failed to restore the dignity of the affected communities, as it does not take into account their losses in terms of life, livelihood, land dispossession and displacement.
This was said by official opposition leader, McHenry Venaani in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday while making his contribution to the hotly contested deal between the two countries.
Venaani stressed that the N.dollars 18 billion agreement over 30 years struck between Germany and Namibia failed to address the inherent cross-generational damage and loss of human life, economic base (livelihoods) and displacement of families across the region and the continent.
The politician stressed that the draft agreement submitted to Parliament failed to mention the word “reparations” and further contradicts the envisaged motion that was submitted by the late Paramount Chief of the Ovaherero people, Kuaima Riruako which was adopted unopposed in the august House back in 2006.
“The motion submitted then called for genuine and proper reparations which would be seen as appropriate and sufficient in the eyes of those whose tears are not completely dry. Clearly the suggested agreement before us does not come close to what can be considered proper acceptances for the dignity and wealth that were lost during the genocide of 1904 to 1908,” Venaani further fumed.
He continued to say, the N.dollars 18 billion offered to the affected communities by Germany is equivalent to the amount that the German government has donated to Namibia in foreign aid since independence, noting that the deal reflects as a continuation of foreign aid to a client state that Namibia is to Germany.
Venaani also noted that the proposed agreement blueprint envisioned development omits investment into key sectors which will not only improve the bases of the affected communities but will sustain their livelihoods and secure a future for them.
The official opposition leader strongly proposed government to re-negotiate the terms of the whole genocide agreement.
He also wants Parliament to be allowed its rightful duty and responsibility to robustly contribute to the negotiations.
“Government should also engage with the representatives of the affected communities both at home and in the diaspora. We argue for a re-engagement of parties on the importance of the agreement, the current N.dollars 18 billion is inadequate considering the magnitude of the genocide,” he said.
The debate of the joint declaration on genocide continues in the NA this week.
Last week, a group of political parties and traditional authorities marched to Parliament to petition the pact.
At that event, Rally for Democracy and Progress leader Mike Kavekotora called for a referendum so that the affected communities can vote and determine their fate as far as the genocide meted out against them is concerned.
“I can guarantee you that 99.99 per cent of the affected people will reject this so-called deal. Let the people vote,” he told the crowd.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
