Germany to formally apologise for genocide

Ovaherero and Nama Genocide Forum member Ida Hoffman has welcomed the announcement by the German government to formally apologise for the 1904-7 genocide.

The Agence France Presse (AFP) yesterday reported that German foreign ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chelbi announced Germany's intentions to apologise, although she said the move would not carry any obligation of reparations. According to Chelbi, the joint declaration with the Namibian government can serve as a basis for a parliamentary resolution. Hoffman told The Namibian yesterday that she was very happy with the development, but added that it should have been made sooner.