BERLIN/DODOMA: Germany has asked for official forgiveness for atrocities it inflicted upon people in Tanzania.
The German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier acknowledged that Germany was responsible for killings and mass extermination of communities in Tanzania.
President’s remarks
“My dear family (of Songea, ed.), I mourn with you for Chief Songea, and for all the others who were executed. I wish to pay my respects to the victims of the German colonial rule. And as German President I would like to ask for forgiveness for what Germans did to your ancestors here,” German President said.
A step in the right direction
Tanzanian historians have been optimistic about German engagement of his former colony.
In 2021, Germany also expressed an apology to Namibia, who was also colonized by Germany.
Experts say, for Germany, the process of coming to terms with the former colonies is intended to strengthen relations.
