Namibia: Genocide and the Second Reich

“Namibia: Genocide and the Second Reich” exposes a long-suppressed chapter in history that recounts the atrocities committed against the Herero people in the German colony of Namibia a century ago. This powerful documentary by David Adetayo Olusoga sheds light on the forgotten genocide and its profound connections to German racial theories. With sensitivity and uncompromising honesty, the film delves into the tragic circumstances that led to the massacre of three-quarters of Namibia’s population in German concentration camps built in Africa.

The documentary fearlessly confronts the savagery of European colonial ideology, showcasing graphic reconstructions and unsettling scenes that lay bare the brutal reality of the era. It highlights the 2004 footage of Germany’s ambassador expressing regret for the killing of thousands of Hereros during the colonial era, while also addressing the German government’s refusal to acknowledge the calls for reparations.

In addition to examining the historical context, the film explores the pressing issue of land reforms in present-day Namibia. It exposes the stark inequality that persists, with a significant portion of commercial land still owned by European farmers who make up only 6 percent of the country’s population of 1.8 million. Through poignant interviews and powerful testimonies from African survivors, descendants, and representatives of the reparation movement, the documentary presents a compelling narrative that educates the audience while treating the sensitive subject matter with the utmost respect it deserves.