The faction leader of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, Hoze Riruako, is calling on Namibia and Germany to end the decade-long negotiations on the genocide apology and reparations deal and sign the long-awaited Joint Declaration.

Ombara Riruako says there is no justification for further delays, arguing that the process must now move from negotiations to implementation, with affected communities playing a decisive role.

Speaking at a press conference in Windhoek, Dr. Riruako said the negotiations have involved sustained political, technical and community engagement since 2016 and that outstanding legal and technical matters should now be finalised.

He stressed that affected communities have participated in the process through the technical committee, negotiating team and community consultation structures, in line with the 2006 Parliamentary Resolution.

Riruako says that participation must continue beyond the signing of the declaration, with affected communities taking a decisive role in determining priorities, shaping programmes, monitoring implementation and evaluating outcomes.

"Our participation does not mean that every community organisation and representative holds the same position. We may differ in our opinion, but the result is the same. We may differ on the path forward while sharing the desire for dignity, justice and a better future for our descendants. Disagreement need not prevent participation. We are entitled to our divergent opinion on this issue. Our invitation remains open to those who wish to contribute."

He says the proposed implementation institution should be independent, professionally governed and accountable, with strong representation from affected communities.

Dr. Riruako further argues that the financial package must translate into tangible and intergenerational benefits.

While acknowledging concerns that the proposed €1,1-billion package is inadequate compared with the scale of the genocide and its consequences, he says the improved Joint Declaration provides for additional funding and continued engagement.

"We do not dispute the fact that the amount is insufficient when measured against the magnitude of the genocide. The scale of dispossession of our ancestral land and what have you? Data and generational consequences and the extensive reconstruction needs of the affected communities. Our support for the negotiated outcomes does not mean that we consider this amount an adequate measure of the suffering endured and the losses sustained by our people. The improved joint declaration incorporates provision for additional funding."

Riruako is urging both governments to demonstrate the political will to conclude the outstanding arrangements, sign the Joint Declaration and begin implementation without further delay. €1,1-billion package is inadequate compared with the scale of the genocide and its consequences, he says the improved Joint Declaration provides for additional funding and continued engagement.

"We do not dispute the fact that the amount is insufficient when measured against the magnitude of the genocide. The scale of dispossession of our ancestral land and what have you? Data and generational consequences and the extensive reconstruction needs of the affected communities. Our support for the negotiated outcomes does not mean that we consider this amount an adequate measure of the suffering endured and the losses sustained by our people. The improved joint declaration incorporates provision for additional funding."

Riruako is urging both governments to demonstrate the political will to conclude the outstanding arrangements, sign the Joint Declaration and begin implementation without further delay.