Germany to apologize for Namibian 'genocide'

Germany plans to formally apologise to Namibia for the extermination of its indigenous citizens a century ago, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Sawsan Chebli said the apology would not carry any obligation of reparations.

Berlin ruled what was then called South-West Africa as a colony from 1884 to 1915.

Incensed by German settlers stealing their land, cattle and taking their women, the Herero people launched a revolt in January 1904 with warriors butchering 123 German civilians over several days. The Nama tribe joined the uprising in 1905.

The colonial rulers responded ruthlessly and General Lothar von Trotha signed an extermination order against the Hereros.

The Namas and Herero who were rounded up in prison camps, died from malnutrition and severe weather. Dozens were beheaded after their deaths and their skulls sent to German researchers in Berlin for “scientific” experiments.

Up to 80,000 Hereros lived in Namibia when the uprising began. Only 15,000 were left when it ended.

Germany has since 2011 formally handed back dozens of the skulls.