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https://theconversation.com/germanys-genocide-in-namibia-deal-between-the-two-governments-falls-short-of-delivering-justice-246719>
"In early December 2024 the German and Namibian governments concluded
negotiations over a joint declaration recognising the genocide committed by the
German empire in South West Africa. Germany ruled the country as a colony
between 1884 and 1915. It was declared a mandated territory by the Treaty of
Versailles in 1919.
On 19 December 2024, Namibia announced that the cabinets of the two countries
had reached a landmark decision
related to the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Genocide, Apology and
Reparations between the Namibian and German governments.
Germany concedes that the “abominable atrocities committed … from today’s
perspective would be called genocide”. It accepts “a moral, historical and
political obligation to tender an apology”. In return, Namibia’s “government
and people accept Germany’s apology” and the government “deeply appreciates its
friendly relationship with Germany”.
Both governments will set up a “reconstruction and development support
programme … to assist the development of descendants of the particularly
affected communities”. €1,050 million is allocated over a period of a maximum
of 30 years. Another €50 million will be dedicated to “projects on
reconciliation, remembrance, research and education”. It is agreed that “these
amounts … settle all financial aspects of the issues relating to the past”.
Negotiated since 2015, a draft was initialled in May 2021. Special envoys then
bargained over an addendum behind closed doors.
The governments will now seek to seal the controversial pact."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
