In a momentous step toward addressing historical injustices, the Namibian government has begun welcoming back nearly 100 descendants of the Herero people, who fled their homeland over a century ago during the brutal 1904-1908 genocide under German colonial rule. This marks a pivotal chapter in Namibia’s pursuit of restorative justice, reconnecting the descendants of those who sought refuge in neighboring Botswana, then known as Bechuanaland, with their ancestral roots.
The reconciliation process is underscored by the allocation of five commercial farms by the Namibian government, aimed at resettling the returnees and providing them with a new start. The land, located in several regions of Namibia, is symbolic of the government’s commitment to healing the wounds inflicted on the Herero people more than 120 years ago.
At the heart of the historic return is John Kandjii, a respected elder who has taken on the significant role of guiding the spiritual aspect of the journey. At the Dobe Border Post, a key immigration transit area between Botswana and Namibia, Kandjii lit the “Holy Fire,” a sacred act that invokes the blessings and protection of the ancestors. Speaking on the occasion, Kandjii reflected on how colonial-era boundaries divided the Herero people but also, in a tragic twist of history, provided a place of refuge during their darkest hour. “They were one — I am sure that they were one at that time — but now we are having borders,” he said, underscoring the divisions that arose after the Berlin Conference that shaped modern Africa.
The Herero genocide, one of the earliest atrocities of the 20th century, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 80% of the population. Thousands of Herero fled German South West Africa—now Namibia—after the German military enacted violent campaigns to exterminate the indigenous people. Many found safety in Bechuanaland, and the descendants of those survivors are now returning to reclaim their heritage.
Although the Namibian government was prepared to receive 98 returnees, only 50 successfully crossed the border on the first day due to delays in livestock quarantine clearance. These livestock, integral to the returnees’ livelihoods, are a cherished part of their culture and must undergo strict health checks before entering Namibia.
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James Uerikua, governor of Otjozondjupa, one of the regions designated to accommodate the returnees, highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition. “They will be settled in Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, and Hardap regions. In preparation for receiving you, a 20-hectare reception area was created at Gam,” Uerikua said. The camp at Gam will serve as a temporary settlement, allowing the returnees to acclimate to life in Namibia before relocating to the farms they have been allocated.
Upon arrival, the returnees will be provided with hospital cards, identification documents, and their children will be enrolled in Namibian schools to begin their formal education in their new home. The Namibian government has also assured that essential services, including access to clean water, sewage, and electricity, will be made available at Gam as part of their reintegration process.
The resettlement initiative marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s efforts to acknowledge the historical wrongs committed during German colonial rule, and it paves the way for further efforts aimed at reconciliation and healing for the descendants of those affected by the genocide.
As the returnees take their first steps back on Namibian soil, their journey reflects not only a physical return but also the rekindling of a deep connection to their ancestral land. For many, this marks the beginning of a new chapter, rooted in the past but looking forward to the future with hope and dignity.
