German Minister to Attend Herero Massacre Commemoration

For the first time, a high-ranking German minister will attend commemoration ceremonies in Namibia marking Imperial Germany's extermination campaign against the Herero people one hundred years ago. Officials in Berlin announced that Economic Cooperation and Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul will participate in the ceremonies on Aug. 14 in Okakarara, the site of the 1904 battle between the German military and rebelling Herero. Between 45,000 and 65,000 Herero died after German officers issued an extermination order against the tribe in response to an uprising against colonial rule. The tragedy is remembered in Namibia as genocide. In the past, Germany has resisted mounting calls form the Herero for reparations for the massacres, instead giving Namibia €500 million ($600 million) in aid since 1990, when Namibia won independence from South Africa.