WINDHOEK, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Vice President Lucia Witbooi on Thursday called for strengthened national unity and social cohesion as the country commemorated Genocide Remembrance Day in honor of victims of colonial-era atrocities committed against the Ovaherero and Nama communities.
Speaking at the national commemoration in Eenhana in the northern Ohangwena Region, Witbooi said the day serves as a moment of remembrance, reconciliation and nation-building.
Witbooi described the 1904-1908 genocide under German colonial rule as one of the darkest chapters in Namibia's history, noting that the resistance laid the foundation for the country's later liberation struggle and eventual independence.
She said the remembrance day, observed as a public holiday on May 28 since 2025, is intended not only to honor victims and survivors, but also to preserve historical truth and promote social cohesion among Namibians.
The vice president called for continued academic research, documentation and storytelling through books, museums, films and universities to ensure the atrocities are not forgotten.
"Future generations must never be deceived into believing that the suffering, sacrifice and resistance of our forebears were insignificant," she said.
Witbooi also urged young Namibians to learn from the country's painful history and contribute to national development through education, innovation and economic empowerment.
She further called on Namibians to reject tribalism, division and exclusion while promoting unity, justice, equality and shared prosperity.
Namibia will continue engaging with the German government in pursuit of justice, healing and closure for affected communities, she added. ■