On the issue of reparations by Germany and the Joint Declaration on the Herero-Nama genocide, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government is aware of the comparisons being made with Germany's reparations to Jewish victims but cautioned against viewing the processes as identical.

The Head of State was responding to a question by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, who criticised the agreement, arguing that Namibia is being treated unfairly compared to how Germany has compensated Jewish victims of the Holocaust. 

He pointed out that Germany has paid billions in reparations to Jewish victims over decades, while the proposed arrangement with Namibia amounts to significantly less spread over a longer period. 

The President explained that a key point of contention in earlier negotiations was a clause in the joint declaration that suggested "closing the chapter" on the issue. 

She said the government firmly rejected this provision, insisting that it would undermine the possibility of future engagement and continued redress.

She said Namibia seeks to be treated with the same seriousness and respect afforded in other historical reparations cases and that maintaining flexibility in the agreement is key to achieving that goal.