Namibia has expressed deep concern over Germany’s recent decision to reject South Africa’s indictment against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza.
This comes against the backdrop of Germany’s historical genocide on Namibian soil in 1904-1908, where tens of thousands of innocent Namibians perished under brutal conditions.
President Hage Geingob, referencing Germany’s unresolved history, emphasized the need for accountability and atonement for the atrocities committed on Namibian soil. The President is particularly troubled by Germany’s decision to defend Israel’s actions in the International Court of Justice, despite reports of over 23,000 Palestinians losing their lives in Gaza, along with a shocking 85% internal displacement of civilians amid acute shortages of essential services.
Namibia, with a vivid memory of its own tragic history, questions the moral consistency of Germany’s support for Israel, alleging war crimes and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. President Geingob has renewed his call for global attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, stating, “No peace-loving human being can ignore the carnage waged against Palestinians in Gaza.”
Germany, known for expressing commitment to international conventions against genocide, including its own historical atrocities in Namibia, now faces criticism for seemingly endorsing what some international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have described as war crimes by Israel in Gaza.
President Geingob appeals to the German government to reconsider its decision to intervene as a third party in defense and support of what he terms as the genocidal acts of Israel before the International Court of Justice.
