While conceding that the N.dollars 18 billion genocide reparation offered by Germany is insufficient, Swapo lawmaker, Lucia Witbooi, says the deal must be accepted and given a chance.

Witbooi, who hails from one of the communities targeted for extermination by colonial Germany, said this in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday while adding her voice to the protracted genocide debate.

“I am appealing to my fellow members of the House, as well as traditional leaders across the board to give the improved joint declaration a chance,” she pleaded.

She said it is impossible to undo the genocide but was quick to note that the current draft joint declaration that was signed by the German and Namibian governments lays a strong foundation for the future.

For the legislator, three key things were achieved, which are reparation, an apology and acceptance that Germany indeed committed genocide.

“Two pillars, namely admitting to genocide and agreeing to an apology are notable victories without any reservations. However, what appears to be a questionable outcome now is on the third pillar, particularly with respect to the size of the monetary compensations,” she said.

“This compensation can never be equated to the genocide atrocities. We know that money will never compensate our losses and it is not possible to undo what was done to our men, women and children by the Germans during the war. It must never be forgotten, this cannot bring back the livelihood of our people or the losses they are still facing,” she added.

According to Witbooi, negotiation with a “world superpower” such as Germany and striking a deal is no easy feat.

“Therefore it is a historic achievement for us all Namibians,” Witbooi charged before calling on Namibians to approach the genocide debate with unity of purpose.

“If we are not united, we shall easily lose focus of this sensitive topic.”

While Witbooi’s lone voice could be heard echoing the NA chambers, Landless People’s Movement deputy leader, Henny Seibeb, was clearly unimpressed.

This is because Witbooi heaped praise on those who spearheaded the genocide talks. They include the late Nicky Iyambo, the late Zed Ngavirue who was Namibia’s special envoy and President Hage Geingob.

“They failed. Don’t mention their names. You are a sell-out,” Seibeb chanted.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency