Genocide talks

ALVENUS F. DREYER WRITES:

Justice from a lawful point of view is defined and or described as the ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by

arbiters of the law, that laws are to ensure that no harm befalls another, and that, where harm is alleged, a remedial action is taken. In general terms when referring to justice at least from the English Oxford Dictionary #39’s explanation, justice is defined as the fair treatment of people, in all aspects of law, justice means seeking the truth and basing judgements on evidence.

JUSTICE

When one holistically, realistically and very comprehensively digest the meaning of the word & quot; justice & quot; esp. In the genocide and reparations context, only one thing comes to mind. Justice in its full natural cause must prevail, meaning Germany must acknowledge the human crime of genocide, unconditionaly apologise and pay just reparations to the affected communities. For as long as Mother Earth exists this rather very gruesome historical crime will continue to haunt Germany, just as they hunted down the Nama and Ovaherero. Perhaps also to again touch on another informative note, the word & quot; extermination & quot. Scholars, academics, researchers and historians must bring this word in its full context in order for the world to have a full understanding of its actual meaning.

GENOCIDE

This must happen for the sake of creating a clear and better picture of what the first genocide of the 20th century was all about. This will enable us to also better comprehend why we are saying justice must prevail. This is not just a restorative justice issue for the affected Ovaherero and Nama communities as some may argue and others even downgrading talks on this very sensitive matter of indigenous relevance.

What can and must be reminded is that Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi Outa !Nanseb did not by mistake took up arms as Africa & #39’s first tribal leader against the colonialist. Hundred and twenty years (120) since the first genocide of the 20th century and the scars left on the affected communities still remain visible. No amount of money will bring back lost life & #39’s, but talks on genocide must continue until justice prevails even if it takes the next 120 years.

OPINION

Some of us are of the opinion that acknowledging the human crime of genocide, unconditionaly apologising and paying just reparations is not to restore the dignity of the affected communities. We were already a dignified native tribe before white settlers came and interfered. Hence some of us are not sure whether acknowledging will be for the sake of acknowledging, whether the apology will be a genuine one and dignity does not have a prize.

In the meantime we are saying Federal Germany must face the music until genocide related justice prevails.

*Alvenus F. Dreyer is a social and economic justice proponent born and brewed in Namibia and a descendant of the affected Nama community.

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