Ovaherero Traditional Authority rejects Namibia-Germany genocide declaration, demands direct negotiations

OTA paramount chief Mutjinde Katjiua stated that the Ovaherero people must have a meaningful role in all matters concerning genocide and reparations. Katjiua criticized another OTA faction leader, Hoze Riruako, accusing the Namibian and German governments of using individuals like Riruako to create a false impression of Ovaherero support for the declaration. He asserted that no individual, faction, or government-appointed structure has the authority to negotiate away the rights of the Ovaherero nation.

Katjiua maintained that the joint declaration contradicts a 2006 parliamentary motion that envisioned a trilateral process involving the Namibian government, descendants of genocide victims, and Germany. He argued that the Namibian government's role should be limited to facilitating direct negotiations between descendants and Germany. The OTA, alongside the Landless People’s Movement and the Nama Traditional Leaders Association, has challenged the joint declaration and the National Assembly speaker’s decision to note it in the High Court.

Katjiua also rejected government claims that the genocide was committed against all Namibians, emphasizing that the 1904 extermination order specifically targeted the Ovaherero people, and therefore reparations should accrue to and be controlled