German president’s shame for colonial atrocities on Africa visit

The Times: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during his visit to Tanzania, has expressed deep shame and sought forgiveness for the atrocities committed by Germany during its colonial rule, particularly the brutal quashing of the 1905 Maji Maji Rebellion. Avoiding a formal apology and financial reparations, Steinmeier emphasized Germany’s commitment to a shared process of addressing this past, including the return of artefacts and human remains. This stance mirrors the reluctance of British royalty to issue formal apologies for colonial-era abuses in neighboring African countries.

The German suppression of the rebellion led to up to 300,000 deaths and severe famine, with these historical wounds still resonating today.This visit comes as Germany continues to grapple with its colonial past, having previously recognized and offered a payment for a genocide in Namibia.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/german-president-s-shame-for-colonial-atrocities-on-africa-visit-0d083vq0x