Traditional leaders from the communities affected by the 1904-1908 genocide urged the government to speed up the ongoing talks on genocide.

They indicated that the long delay continues to cause pain and frustration among the descendants of the victims.

Jonathan Katjimune is the Gam Traditional Community's chief.

"We unequivocally express our deep concern that the negotiations have dragged on for too long. The intergenerational suffering, unresolved grievances, and suspicions of delay risk undermining trust and causing further pain to the descendants of the victims of genocide. Therefore, we urgently call upon the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the negotiators, and all relevant ministries and agencies to expedite this process as a matter of national priority and work in good faith to bring this matter to a logical and rightful conclusion without further delay."

The meeting also discussed the joint declaration and plans for reconstruction, development, and reconciliation.

The chiefs met with negotiators, technical experts, and government officials and agreed that it is time to finalise legal and technical issues so the agreement can be signed and implemented.

The chiefs also expressed renewed confidence in the new leadership of the Genocide, Apology and Reparations Technical Committee.

They reaffirmed the need to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle, an independent body with its own governance structure and strong community representation, stressing that the SPV must operate free from political interference while maintaining transparency and accountability to both the government and affected communities.

As part of their proposed roadmap, the chiefs called for an immediate meeting of the Technical Committee and the Attorney General's Office within the next week to finalise all documents, followed by a formal signing ceremony within three weeks.