The Windhoek High Court has declined to include Germany as a respondent in litigation challenging the legality of a joint declaration addressing colonial-era atrocities against the Ovaherero and Nama peoples. The three-judge panel rejected an attempt to serve German authorities with court documents beyond Namibian jurisdiction but ordered 24 traditional authorities to join the proceedings.
Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi and several traditional authorities are contesting the parliamentary noting of the agreement, which saw Berlin acknowledge responsibility for events between 1904 and 1908 as genocide. The applicants argue the declaration lacks National Assembly ratification and conflicts with constitutional provisions and international law. They also contest that Germany's commitment of 1.1 billion euros in development assistance over three decades fails to constitute proper reparations.
The case against the National Assembly speaker, president, Cabinet, and other respondents continues with hearings scheduled for March 2026.
Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi and several traditional authorities are contesting the parliamentary noting of the agreement, which saw Berlin acknowledge responsibility for events between 1904 and 1908 as genocide. The applicants argue the declaration lacks National Assembly ratification and conflicts with constitutional provisions and international law. They also contest that Germany's commitment of 1.1 billion euros in development assistance over three decades fails to constitute proper reparations.
The case against the National Assembly speaker, president, Cabinet, and other respondents continues with hearings scheduled for March 2026.
