Namibia to mark German colonial genocide for first time with memorial day

Dubbed “Germany’s forgotten genocide”, the systematic murder of over 70,000 Africans from the Ovaherero and Nama communities in Namibia between 1904 and 1908 is being recognized with a new national day of remembrance. This observance, established amid calls for reparations from Germany, will include ceremonies like a candlelight vigil and a minute’s silence. Although Germany has acknowledged its colonial atrocities and offered development aid, many Namibians feel that justice and reparations remain unfulfilled.