President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has encouraged Namibians, and genocide-affected communities in particular, to embrace Genocide Remembrance Day in full and to acknowledge its foundation as laid in the common grounds found on Namibia's Joint Declaration with Germany.
She urged Namibians to find a degree of comfort in the fact that Germany has acknowledged that its colonial troops indeed committed genocide against the Nama and OvaHerero communities.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the inaugural commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day at Parliament Gardens earlier today.
She referenced the theme of this year's Africa Day Commemoration, which ties in with the Namibian government's ongoing efforts in finding recompense for the genocide committed.
Africa Day was marked on 25 May, under the theme ''Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations".
"This theme is talking about the engagement between the two governments of Namibia and Germany to conclude the negotiations on genocide, apology and reparations. This should be in a manner that will be satisfactory, particularly for the directly affected communities. Genocide Remembrance Day is a day for the unity of the Namibian people. We may not agree on the final quantum, but that is part of the complex negotiations we have been engaged in with the German government since 2013. We must remain committed that as a nation, we shall soldier on until the ultimate conclusion is reached."
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that the government is yet to identify a special envoy and paid tribute to the late Dr. Zedekia Ngavirue.
The late Ngavirue was the country's first special envoy, who led negotiations with the German government in a manner Nandi-Ndaitwah recalled as assertive and perseverant.
The Head of State added that Genocide Remembrance Day means to inspire hope in all Namibians who seek to build a future grounded in understanding and appreciation of their collective history.
This includes, she said, the ongoing efforts at reconciliation and nation-building.
"I want to assure the nation that the 8th Administration of the Government of the Republic of Namibia is dedicated to advancing the ideals of unity advocated by our national heroes, Samuel Maharero, Mandume ya Ndemufayo, Hendrik Witbooi, Hosea Kutako, Sam Nujoma and many others. We should therefore reaffirm our patriotic duty and commitment to fostering an inclusive Namibia, where all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, or social class, are valued."