News Desk
Namibian President Hage Geingob has voiced profound unease following the recent decision by the Federal Republic of Germany to reject an indictment brought forth by South Africa before the International Court of Justice. The indictment accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The historical context is crucial as Germany, on Namibian soil, perpetrated the first genocide of the 20th century during the years 1904-1908, resulting in the tragic deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Namibians under appalling conditions. Despite this dark chapter, Germany is yet to fully reconcile with its historical wrongdoing.
President Geingob expressed dismay at Germany’s apparent inability to draw lessons from its own past, especially in light of its unresolved history in Namibia. The rejection of the indictment against Israel raises concerns about Germany’s commitment to human rights and accountability.
The German Government’s decision to defend Israel’s actions in the face of numerous reports of violent deaths, internal displacement affecting 85% of Gaza’s civilians, and acute shortages of essential resources has raised eyebrows internationally. President Geingob emphasized that Germany, having a moral obligation to address its historical atrocities, cannot simultaneously support what some international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, describe as war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.
President Geingob reiterated his call for attention to the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing that “No peace-loving human being can ignore the carnage waged against Palestinians in Gaza.” He appeals to the German Government to reconsider its decision to intervene as a third-party supporter in defense of Israel’s actions before the International Court of Justice.
As the international community watches closely, this development adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding historical accountability and the ethical responsibilities of nations in addressing contemporary human rights crises.
