Namibia’s President, Hage Geingob, has expressed deep concern over Germany’s recent decision to reject an indictment before the International Court of Justice, which accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
This comes after German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced that Germany planned to intervene in the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.
Hebestreit made the statement on Friday.
“The German government firmly and explicitly rejects the accusation of genocide that has now been made against Israel before the International Court of Justice. This accusation has no basis whatsoever,” said Hebestreit in a statement.
Referencing Germany’s historical genocide in Namibia from 1904-1908, Geingob criticised Germany for not fully atoning for its past actions.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday (13 January), the Namibian president, “in light of Germany’s inability to draw lessons from its horrific history,” highlighted the alarming number of Palestinian deaths and the displacement of civilians, as well as UN reports on the dire humanitarian situation
“Germany cannot morally express commitment to the United Nations Genocide Convention, including atonement for the genocide in Namibia, whilst supporting the equivalent of a holocaust and genocide in Gaza,” said Geingob.
On 31 December 2023, Geingob also called on other states to take measures to stop the acts of genocide being perpetrated against the Palestinian People.
“No peace-loving human being can ignore the carnage waged against Palestinians in Gaza.”
On 10 January, the country’s executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) Penda Naanda, also issued a statement condemning Israel for the killing of innocent civilians and forcible displacements of Palestinians in Gaza.
Naanda asserts that these actions, along with the deliberate infliction of conditions leading to physical destruction, constitute genocide, in violation of international law.
“Namibia supports all international efforts aimed at advancing the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian People,” he said.
In its written comments submitted to the ICJ on 25 October 2023, Namibia warned that “Israel is now attempting to commit, if not actively committing, genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”.
Namibia also pulled its weight behind South Africa and welcomes the International Court of Justice’s indication of provisional measures for Israel to comply with its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
South Africa last week asked the ICJ to call on Israel to “immediately suspend” its indiscriminate attacks on Gaza.
Namibia commended for its stance
Via Facebook:
this is incredible .. one of the best diplomatic statement ever
Thanks Namibia
During this ordeal, Southern African countries can teach the world what it means to be courageous, humane, and consistent. Thank you! Let’s pray for the Arab countries to follow your example.
The world has to stand together against brutalities and atrocities committed by Israel against unarmed civilians otherwise this will open doors to future criminals like Netanyahu and his surroundings to commit further crimes everywhere over the globe without the need to justify them.
A historic statement and indeed the best diplomatic statement made. Tall order Namibia .
The brave and the honourable of the world put those silent to shame. Viva Namibia , Viva South Africa
Free Palestine
Thanks Namibia proud of you it is one of powerful diplomatic statement against western hypocrisy
