German-speaking Namibians and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation held a dialogue about the joint declaration between Namibia and Germany.

The aim of the dialogue was to exchange and share perspectives and outline their commitment to support reconciliation and reconstruction in the country.

The dialogue centred on the progress made since the joint declaration was signed in May 2021.

The Chairperson of the German-Speaking Namibians Forum, Herald Hecht, said this is the second series of the fireside conversation.

It provided a safe, relaxing, and comfortable environment for everyone to speak.

"The forum has positioned itself on the joint declaration, but sometimes you need to realign your position, so maybe there have been a lot of changes to the joint declaration."

Team Leader and Representative of the Genocide-affected Communities, Charles Eiseb, gave an overview of the joint declaration worth N$20 billion. 

"A special envoy was appointed by the German government as well as the Namibian government. Both governments appointed special envoys, representing the government, and subsequently formed a technical committee. The quick implementation phase will now focus on seven regions, previously predominantly inhabited by Hereros and Namas."

Hecht said provision was made for further funding once the amount is depleted.