Debate over how Namibia dealt with its colonial past took centre stage during a panel discussion organised by the Forum of German-Speaking Namibians in Swakopmund.

Dr. John Nakuta was one of the presenters at the panel discussion, which discussed challenges to democracy. Dr. Nakuta was of the view that issues like the Ovaherero-Nama genocide and land restitution have not been dealt with appropriately, posing a threat to democracy.

He added that the way the genocide issue is being dealt with leaves much to be desired, saying the draft joint declaration by the governments of Namibia and Germany did not include the legitimately affected communities.

"Something that basically tells us: accept the fact that in 1904 International Law saw you as subhumans. That's why, when we killed you, we did not commit genocide, because genocide was not a crime by then. This is literally the meaning of the joint declaration, and you want to stuff it down our throats without having properly engaged us."

Some of the participants, however, did not agree with Dr. Nakuta's opinion.

This weekend, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government's main resolve is that Germany acknowledge the colonial-era Namibian genocide as such and apologise for it.

Ndaitwah, who was speaking at an annual Genocide Memorial Day at Luderitz in the ||Kharas Region, pointed out that no agreement had been reached with Germany in the negotiations that started nine years ago, saying these are still ongoing.