The Nama Traditional Leaders Association has reiterated its call to government for their inclusion in the Nama/Ovaherero genocide reparations talks with Germany.

Its Vice-Chairperson Dawid Hanse made the appeal at Mariental during the commemoration marking the extermination order issued against the Nama people by the German colonial regime.

 The extermination order against the Nama people was issued on 22 April 1905 by General Lothar Von Trotha of the German colonial forces after they resisted German occupation.

This follows the first extermination order issued on 2 October 1904 against the Ovaherero people. 

People were exterminated, people were robbed of their land, people lost their livestock, people lost their language, people had their dignity destroyed and countless things. They even had their leaders killed, people were beheaded, and people were fed to fish. These are horrific atrocities we will never forget. No matter what happens, we will never forget. Therefore, our leader, please open the door for us to talk directly to the Germans so that we can speak ourselves, and they can truly understand the pain their ancestors inflicted on us.'

Gaob Hanse also voiced concern that the German government has still not yet revoked the extermination and issued a formal apology for the atrocities committed.

The Hardap Regional Council Chairperson, Francois Dausab, attributed political interference for division among the Nama people and implored leaders of various Nama clans to stay out of politics.

Retired Deputy Bishop Paul Kisting called on the Nama people to rise above their political differences and to stand united.

Members of the Ovaherero communities were also present at the commemoration.