During the past years The Namibian German Foundation (NaDS) with great interest followed the negotiations between Namibia and Germany on the issue of reparations for historical losses suffered by Herero and Nama 1904 – 1908.
At the beginning of the negotiations the Namibian government made it abundantly clear that it is the statutory authority to conduct such negotiations with Germany and not one of the particular ethnic groups concerned. Germany supported this approach, also in terms of international law.
Parallel to the negotiations Paramount Chief Vekuii Rukoro of the Ovaherero repeatedly stated that the German government refused to negotiate directly with the Ovaherero and Nama
It is with great concern that the board of NaDS takes note of the most recent statements of Paramount Chief Rukoro which can be understood that German speaking Namibians could become the target of attacks committed by Ovaherero. The Chief insinuates even that German speaking Namibians allegedly regard Ovaherero as “crazy”.
It must be noted that German speaking Namibians as citizens of Namibia maintain good relations with all population groups, in the same manner as other groups interact with them.
It is in the interest of all Namibians that discussions of this dimension are conducted an unemotional and in a factual manner. Hate speech will lead us nowhere. NaDS distances itself from any incitement and agitation. We wish to remind the public of the outstanding ranking that Namibia enjoys as the African country with the highest degree of press freedom und freedom of expression.
We need to uphold the fine practice of open public debate and dialogue both on contentious and on neutral issues which the majority of organisations continue to uphold in the democratic dispensation of Namibia.
NaDS is fully prepared to participate in mediation and reconciliation discussions.