Vice President Lucia Witbooi says African nations face challenges seeking reparations for colonial crimes but must continue pressing for compensation. She spoke Tuesday at Open Society Africa in Windhoek, urging women to lead the fight for restorative justice. Witbooi emphasized that these payments represent justice owed to Africans, not special favors.
Her comments addressed Namibia's ongoing efforts to secure reparations from Germany for the 1904 massacre. German forces killed more than 100,000 Nama and Ovaherero people during their colonial rule, considered among Africa's worst colonial atrocities. The vice president stressed that listening to victims remains essential for any meaningful resolution.
Witbooi noted that Namibians have demonstrated their resistance to oppression throughout history. She called for comprehensive justice beyond financial compensation, including environmental restoration of sites like Shark Island. Women deserve recognition for their crucial role in this struggle, she added, particularly those who survived sexual abuse but continued advocating for rights.
Her comments addressed Namibia's ongoing efforts to secure reparations from Germany for the 1904 massacre. German forces killed more than 100,000 Nama and Ovaherero people during their colonial rule, considered among Africa's worst colonial atrocities. The vice president stressed that listening to victims remains essential for any meaningful resolution.
Witbooi noted that Namibians have demonstrated their resistance to oppression throughout history. She called for comprehensive justice beyond financial compensation, including environmental restoration of sites like Shark Island. Women deserve recognition for their crucial role in this struggle, she added, particularly those who survived sexual abuse but continued advocating for rights.
