WINDHOEK, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Cabinet has proclaimed May 28 as Genocide Remembrance Day, marking a significant move in the nation's journey toward acknowledging and addressing its painful past.
Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi made the announcement Tuesday during a press conference held in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
According to Katjavivi, the decision stems from a motion tabled by the late Kuaima Riruako in 2006, who served as a National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) representative in Parliament and was the paramount chief of the Herero people, and further efforts by Usutuaije Maamberua, a former member of parliament and the president of the South West Africa National Union (SWANU) from 2007 until 2017, to establish a dedicated day for remembrance.
"The topic of genocide and the necessity of addressing its implications, particularly concerning the German authorities, has been a continuous concern for our nation," he said.
It is imperative to acknowledge the diligent efforts of the National Assembly Standing Committee, which undertook extensive consultations with our diverse communities across the country, he added.
Katjavivi said their efforts culminated in a comprehensive report, which was ultimately accepted and recommended to the Cabinet, leading to the establishment of this significant day, he added.
Acknowledging the challenges encountered during the process, Katjavivi emphasized the importance of meticulous verification and thoughtful consideration in selecting the day as the most appropriate day for Genocide Remembrance.
"The proclamation of Genocide Remembrance Day is not merely a symbolic act; it signifies the beginning of an important journey of healing, reconciliation, and education," he further said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said the commemoration of the day will commence from May 28, 2025.
Theofelus further said that the Cabinet directed the country's Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, to utilize the Genocide Remembrance Day as a unifying factor, and identify significant sites where monuments should be constructed.
Over 100,000 local people were killed as a result of a mass extermination policy initiated by German colonial troops between 1904 and 1908, according to Namibian authorities. ■
