The Ovaherero Traditional Authority has issued a strong condemnation of Elon Musk’s recent remarks and actions, accusing the tech billionaire of endangering efforts for justice and reconciliation, especially about the historical atrocities committed by Germany in Namibia. Musk’s public support for right-wing European political parties, his dismissal of Germany’s historical responsibility for its colonial crimes, and his use of Nazi-related jokes have sparked outrage among communities that are still grappling with the legacies of genocide, particularly the Herero and Nama peoples of Namibia.
At the turn of the 20th century, German colonial forces perpetrated what is now recognized as one of the first genocides of the modern era, targeting the Herero and Nama populations in what was then German South West Africa. The genocide resulted in the deaths of almost 80% of the Herero population and half of the Nama people, reducing these groups to minority status in present-day Namibia. Despite the passage of more than a century, the wounds of this atrocity remain deeply felt by these communities, and the call for justice and reparations continues to reverberate.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Ovaherero Traditional Authority condemned Musk for his dismissive rhetoric regarding Germany’s historical guilt and the ongoing struggle for reparative justice. The Authority argued that Musk’s comments trivialize the horrific acts of genocide and perpetuate an environment of denialism, further emboldening ideologies rooted in racism. They warned that such statements risk undermining global efforts aimed at addressing historical injustices and reconciling communities affected by colonial and war crimes.
Musk, who has recently aligned himself with far-right political groups, sparked particular outrage when he appeared at a campaign event for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party via video link last Saturday. During his address to the party’s supporters, Musk suggested that “children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents,” in an apparent attempt to downplay the importance of confronting Germany’s Nazi past. The remarks came just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day, further intensifying the backlash. Musk’s statement that “there is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that” and his praise for the AfD party, which advocates anti-immigration policies and opposition to cultural integration, were seen as deeply insensitive by many.
The Ovaherero Traditional Authority emphasized that such remarks only reinforce a dangerous narrative of cultural erasure and historical revisionism, undermining the rights of those affected by genocide and war crimes. They stressed that these comments are a continuation of a broader global trend of historical revisionism, where the painful legacies of colonialism and genocide are minimized or ignored in favor of political and ideological agendas that threaten to silence the calls for justice and recognition.
Moreover, the statement highlighted the broader implications of Musk’s actions, framing them within a context of apartheid privilege and a culture of impunity that allows such historical wrongs to go unaddressed. The Authority expressed concern that Musk’s status and influence, if unchecked, could embolden other influential figures and institutions to adopt similar views, perpetuating a cycle of denial and inaction.
In response, the Ovaherero Traditional Authority reiterated its firm stance on the need for reparative justice and accountability. They called on Musk to use his global platform responsibly, urging him to reconsider his views and statements and to contribute to efforts that seek to acknowledge and address the deep scars left by historical atrocities. The Authority also appealed to world leaders to reject any attempt to downplay the significance of historical guilt and to actively support initiatives aimed at providing reparative justice to communities affected by genocide and colonial violence.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to the ongoing struggle for recognition and dignity for the Herero and Nama peoples, stressing that the pursuit of justice is a moral imperative that cannot be trivialized or ignored by those in positions of power and influence.
