Also known as: General Lothar von Trotha
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The Namibian
General Lothar von Trotha conducted extermination campaign between 1904 and 1908
“Most speeches and articles rightly focused on the suffering of the Nama and Ovaherero communities, the primary targets of general Lothar von Trotha's extermination campaign.”
Why Namibia Must Acknowledge Damara and San Genocide VictimsThe Namibian
General Lothar von Trotha issued the infamous extermination order against the Ovaherero people in 1904
“Their argument is rooted in history because 2 October marks the date when general Lothar von Trotha issued the infamous extermination order against the Ovaherero people in 1904.”
28 May Must Unite Us in Memory, Healing and Nation BuildingThe Namibian
Lothar von Trotha issued extermination order against the Ovaherero people
“Meanwhile, former deputy minister of health and social services Esther Muinjangue said the extermination order issued by German general Lothar von Trotha against the Ovaherero people remains unique because it was formally written and distributed in different languages.”
Katamelo demands action beyond words on genocideInformanté
General Lothar von Trotha conducted colonial military campaign resulting in Battle of Waterberg, extermination orders, and forced displacement
“She said that Germany's colonial military campaign under General Lothar von Trotha resulted in the Battle of Waterberg, extermination orders, forced displacement into the Omaheke Desert, and the confinement of survivors in concentration camps where they endured forced labour and inhumane treatment.”
VP urges Namibians to preserve genocide historyWindhoek Observer
German commander General Lothar von Trotha issued extermination orders that caused survivors to lose land, livestock and property
“OCAG said survivors lost land, livestock and property following military campaigns and extermination orders issued by German commander General Lothar von Trotha.”
Okandjoze chiefs want ‘business unusual’ on genocide reparationsThe Namibian
Lothar von Trotha gave the extermination order against Ovaherero people on 2 October 1904
“I grew up at a village called Okei in the Otjinene constituency, about 20km south of Ozombu zo Vitimba, where Lothar von Trotha had given the extermination order against Ovaherero people on 2 October 1904.”
No Monopoly on PainThe Namibian
Lothar von Trotha is regarded as the man largely responsible for the genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama
“More than a hundred years after the death of Lothar von Trotha – regarded as the man largely responsible for the genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama in the colony of German South West Africa between 1904 and 1908 – his South West African war diary and photo album have finally been published.”
Trotha’s Diary Records Genocidal IntentThe Namibian
Trotha wrote in his diary genocidal statements including 'The natives must be destroyed, see America'
“Between all of Trotha's reports on everyday life at headquarters, remarks using genocidal language flash up again and again: "The natives must be destroyed, see America" (1 July 1904);”
Trotha’s Diary Records Genocidal IntentAn opinion piece argues that Damara and San people, who also suffered under German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, remain largely invisible in Namibia's genocide remembrance and discussions of reparations, despite historical evidence that they were caught up in military campaigns, forced removals, imprisonment, and concentration camps alongside Nama and Ovaherero communities.
18 hours ago · The Namibian →
An opinion piece argues that Damara and San people, who also suffered under German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, remain largely invisible in Namibia's genocide remembrance and discussions of reparations, despite historical evidence that they were caught up in military campaigns, forced removals, imprisonment, and concentration camps alongside Nama and Ovaherero communities.
18 hours ago · The Namibian →
The San Chiefs Council and Damara King's Council are demanding formal inclusion in Namibia's ongoing genocide reparations negotiations with Germany, citing historical atrocities including extermination campaigns, displacement and forced labour affecting their communities. The councils are calling for seats at the negotiating table alongside Ovaherero and Nama representatives, and for reparations and restitution including compensation for ancestral lands and cultural losses to directly benefit affected descendant communities.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's official recognition of 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day for the Ovaherero and Nama genocide should unite the nation in memory and healing, while acknowledging that some descendants believe 2 October would be more historically appropriate as the date of the extermination order.
29 May 2026 · The Namibian →
National Assembly deputy speaker Phillipus Katamelo said that the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people can only be addressed through meaningful action, not words alone. He urged companies operating in Namibia to focus on improving social conditions and creating jobs in local communities as a way to help correct historical injustices.
28 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged Namibians to remain united in preserving the country's history, promoting justice and reconciliation during Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration in Eenhana. She described the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people as defining moments that exposed colonial brutality while highlighting the courage and resistance that laid the foundation for Namibia's independence.
28 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Okandjoze Chiefs' Assembly on Genocide has called on the Namibian government to adopt a "business unusual" approach to genocide apology and reparations, saying years of discussions have produced little action. The group urged the government to move away from symbolic discussions and engage descendants of Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama communities differently on restorative justice.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Filmmaker Alexander Honisch has completed an 82-minute documentary on Nama leader Hendrik Witbooi after nearly a decade of research, which will be screened on 14 March 2026 at Namibia University of Science and Technology. The film, titled 'God from Heaven Has Now Broken the Treaty', examines Witbooi's spiritual conviction, political foresight and armed resistance to German colonial expansion, and has been selected for 12 international film festivals and won three awards.
6 March 2026 · New Era →