Germany admits to Namibia’s genocide, to pay $1.34bn

Captives taken after the Herero rebellion were either killed or subjected to appalling brutality. Photo: BBC

Germany has officially acknowledged committing genocide during its colonial occupation of Namibia, and announced financial aid worth more than €1.1bn (£940m; $1.34bn).

BBC reports that German colonial masters killed tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people in Namibia around the early 20th Century massacres.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said his country was asking Namibia and victims’ descendants for forgiveness.

But activists say the aid is not enough to address the suffering inflicted.

The money will apparently be paid over 30 years through spending on infrastructure, healthcare and training programmes benefiting the impacted communities.

A spokesman for the Namibian government told AFP news agency Germany’s recognition was “a first step in the right direction”.

BBC

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