Namibia: Genocide and the Second Reich

A century ago, during the colonial era, three-quarters of the Herero people in the German colony of Namibia faced a devastating fate. Many were killed, often in brutal concentration camps. Today, their descendants seek reparations from the German government. This powerful documentary, titled Namibia: Genocide and the Second Reich, sheds light on this forgotten chapter of history and its connection to German racial theories.

The film, directed by David Adetayo Olusoga, takes an unflinching look at the tragic circumstances that led to the massacre of three-quarters of Namibia’s population. German concentration camps, established in Africa, witnessed the savagery of European colonial ideology put into practice. Graphic reconstructions and disturbing scenes reveal the horrors endured by the Herero people.

The documentary also features footage from 2004, showing Germany’s ambassador to Namibia expressing regret for the killing of thousands of Hereros during the colonial era. Despite this acknowledgment, Germany has yet to agree to justifiable calls for reparations.

Beyond the historical context, the film delves into present-day issues. Namibia still grapples with land reforms, as most of its commercial land remains in the hands of European farmers, who constitute only 6% of the country’s population.

Through interviews, powerful testimonies, and sensitive storytelling, Namibia: Genocide and the Second Reich educates viewers about this forgotten genocide while treating the subject matter with the respect it deserves.