Namibia pushes for German reparations on first genocide remembrance day

Namibia marked its first genocide remembrance day on 28 May, honoring the approximately 75,000 victims of a mass killing during German colonial rule between 1904 and 1908. Herero and Nama people were subjected to violent repression in the Kalahari desert, their skulls sent to Germany for display but not yet repatriated. The country's president emphasized the need for reparations discussions with Germany, acknowledging the impact of past colonial rule on these communities, whose descendants remain politically marginalised. Efforts to educate more about this dark chapter continue as Namibia strives toward reconciliation.