A century after the atrocities, Namibia officially pauses to remember the Herero and Nama genocide — a step toward healing, recognition, and historical justice.
Namibia observed its first Genocide Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to acknowledging the atrocities suffered by the Herero and Nama peoples under German colonial rule from 1904 to 1908.
This inaugural commemoration marks a significant step in the nation’s journey to confront its painful history, honor the memory of the victims, and foster a future rooted in justice and reconciliation.
The Herero and Nama genocide stands as one of the earliest genocides of the 20th century. The conflict began in January 1904, when the Herero, led by Samuel Maharero, rose against German colonial authorities in response to oppressive policies and land dispossession.
The German military, under General Lothar von Trotha, responded with brutal force, issuing an extermination order in October 1904 that called for the systematic killing of all Herero people, including women and children.
The Nama, led by Hendrik Witbooi, soon joined the resistance and faced similar atrocities. The genocide resulted in the deaths of approximately 65,000 Herero (about 80% of their population) and 10,000 Nama (about 50% of their population). Survivors endured forced displacement into the Omaheke desert, starvation, and incarceration in concentration camps where conditions were inhumane.
May 28 was chosen for Genocide Remembrance Day to coincide with the day in 1904 when the Herero were driven into the Omaheke desert following the Battle of Waterberg—a pivotal and tragic moment in the genocide’s history.
The official ceremonies took place at Parliament Gardens in Windhoek, where attendees observed a minute of silence and participated in a candlelight vigil. The event drew government officials, community leaders, descendants of the Herero and Nama, and members of the public, united in a shared act of remembrance and commitment to healing.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the necessity of confronting historical injustices and honoring the memory of the genocide’s victims. She called for national unity, ongoing healing, and continued dialogue with Germany to pursue historical justice and reparations.
Other officials and representatives from the Ovaherero and Nama communities echoed these themes, underscoring the enduring pain, the importance of recognition, and the need for reconciliation and meaningful reparations.
The Ovaherero and Nama communities expressed a range of emotions in response to the commemoration. Many welcomed the official recognition and establishment of a dedicated remembrance day as a vital step toward healing and justice.
However, some community members voiced criticism, viewing the event as largely symbolic and stressing the urgent need for concrete actions such as reparations and land restitution. Calls for sustained government commitment and deeper engagement with Germany were prominent throughout the day.
The inauguration of Genocide Remembrance Day carries profound implications for Namibia’s ongoing pursuit of national healing and historical justice. It formalizes the acknowledgment of past atrocities and fosters collective reconciliation, while also highlighting the importance of education and public awareness in preventing future injustices.
The commemoration underscores the ongoing dialogue between Namibia and Germany regarding reparations and accountability, and may serve as a catalyst for renewed diplomatic engagement to address the legacies of colonial violence.
Namibia’s first Genocide Remembrance Day is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a national commitment to healing, justice, and unity.
As the country honors the memory of the Herero and Nama victims, it also looks ahead to a future where historical truths are acknowledged and reconciliation is pursued with sincerity and resolve. This day marks a new chapter in Namibia’s history—one that embraces the past to build a more just and inclusive future for all its people.
Inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day, 28 May 2025 pic.twitter.com/DOLDNdPZjv
— Namibian Presidency (@NamPresidency) May 28, 2025
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