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Colonialism, Genocide and Reparations: The German‐Namibian Case

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  • Henning Melber

Abstract

In 2015 the German government acknowledged that the Empire committed genocide in its colony South West Africa, known since its independence as Namibia. This acknowledgement marked a new reference point in how to engage with colonial crimes. Since then, Germany has fallen short of bearing full and unconditional responsibility for and recognition of the crime in terms of restorative justice. While Germany deserves credit for its commemoration and remorse over the Holocaust during World War II, victims of other forms of extermination with the intent to destroy still crave adequate recognition, commemoration and compensation in the form of reparations. This article presents the Namibian case to illustrate the contradictions and limitations that emerge when general notions are tested and undermined by asymmetric power relations of Realpolitik.

Suggested Citation

  • Henning Melber, 2024. "Colonialism, Genocide and Reparations: The German‐Namibian Case," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 55(4), pages 773-799, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:55:y:2024:i:4:p:773-799
    DOI: 10.1111/dech.12840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tom Bentley, 2018. "Colonial apologies and the problem of the transgressor speaking," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 399-417, March.
    2. Daniela Gabor & Ndongo Samba Sylla, 2023. "Derisking Developmentalism: A Tale of Green Hydrogen," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 54(5), pages 1169-1196, September.
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    1. Kadhikwa, Sakeus & Bollig, Michael & Domptail, Stéphanie Eileen, 2026. "Pan-ontological institutional bricolage? The urgent need for a dialogue between state and customary authorities in Namibian conservancies," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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