Namibia's Vice President Lucia Witbooi praised traditional leaders from the Omaheke region for their work on government issues such as genocide reparations. She met with these leaders Tuesday in Gobabis. The VP thanked them for attending meetings despite their personal plans and noted how they often leave family events or work duties to participate.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah asked Witbooi to meet these traditional chiefs. Her main task was to tell them about Genocide Remembrance Day, which is happening on May 28 in Windhoek, and invite them to attend the official event. The VP expressed thanks for their steady support throughout the genocide negotiations. She said their constant backing shows their care for their communities.
Witbooi explained that German colonial forces came mainly to take land. This caused fights with local people, mostly Nama, Ovaherero, Ovambanderu, Damara, and San groups. Many battles broke out as people tried to stop the theft of their land and animals. The Germans also forced people into labor, committed rape, and treated locals cruelly.
These awful acts led to General Theodore Leutwein's order against the Ovambanderu people in 1896. Later, General Lothar von Trotha made similar orders against Ovaherero and Nama communities in 1904 and 1905. Last year, President Nangolo Mbumba made Genocide Remembrance Day an official public holiday for the nation.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah asked Witbooi to meet these traditional chiefs. Her main task was to tell them about Genocide Remembrance Day, which is happening on May 28 in Windhoek, and invite them to attend the official event. The VP expressed thanks for their steady support throughout the genocide negotiations. She said their constant backing shows their care for their communities.
Witbooi explained that German colonial forces came mainly to take land. This caused fights with local people, mostly Nama, Ovaherero, Ovambanderu, Damara, and San groups. Many battles broke out as people tried to stop the theft of their land and animals. The Germans also forced people into labor, committed rape, and treated locals cruelly.
These awful acts led to General Theodore Leutwein's order against the Ovambanderu people in 1896. Later, General Lothar von Trotha made similar orders against Ovaherero and Nama communities in 1904 and 1905. Last year, President Nangolo Mbumba made Genocide Remembrance Day an official public holiday for the nation.
