Lderitz: Landless People's Movement (LPM) Mariental councillor, William Minnie, emphasizes that the annual Genocide Remembrance Walk, set for April 10-12 in Lderitz, aims to bolster demands for justice, reparations, and full historical acknowledgment of the 1904-1908 Nama and Herero genocide. Minnie articulated that the event transcends mere ceremonial remembrance and acts as a solemn historical reckoning.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Minnie stated that the initiative honors victims of German colonial atrocities and affirms that the 1904-1908 events constitute genocide under international law principles, such as those in the United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948. "Remembrance without justice is insufficient. The genocide must be fully acknowledged, taught, and addressed through concrete reparative measures," he asserted.
Minnie identified Lderitz as a significant commemoration site due to its proximity to Shark Island, a location where Nama and Herero people suffered forced labor, starvation, and death under colonial rule. He emphasized that gathering in Lderitz allows participants to confront history directly and honor those who perished while reclaiming a space that once symbolized suffering.
He noted that the memorial walk has grown from a community-driven initiative into a broader platform that now attracts traditional leaders, youth, policymakers, and civil society, reflecting increased awareness and advocacy for justice.
Regarding government involvement, Minnie argued that authorities have both a moral and legal duty to formally recognize and support the commemoration. This includes institutionalizing Genocide Remembrance Week and integrating genocide education into national systems. However, he insisted that affected communities must lead these processes. "Government must not speak over affected communities but create space for their leadership and voices to guide engagements," he said.
Minnie further contended that efforts to address the genocide's legacy remain inadequate, citing ongoing structural inequalities, land dispossession, and socio-economic marginalization. He stressed that the event should lead to tangible results, particularly in reparations negotiations that fully involve representatives of affected communities, like the Nama Traditional Leaders Association. "Without equal representation and decision-making authority, any outcome risks lacking legitimacy and failing to deliver justice," he added.
Minnie concluded by emphasizing that achieving justice and healing requires a comprehensive approach, including full genocide recognition, inclusive reparations processes, economic redress, and sustained investment in affected communities. "The past cannot be erased, and justice cannot be postponed indefinitely," he remarked.