German president asks for forgiveness for colonial wrongs in Tanzania
Historians estimate as many as 300,000 victims killed by Germany in Tanzania during colonial era
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
NAIROBI
German President Frank Walter Steinmeier expressed regret and asked for forgiveness Wednesday for heinous crimes committed by colonial Germany.
"I bow before the victims of German colonial rule. And, as Germany’s federal president, I want to ask for forgiveness for what Germans did to your forefathers," Steinmeier said while mourning Chief Songea who led the Ngoni people in successful attacks against the Germans during the Maji Maji Rebellion.
Chief Songea is a national hero in Tanzania who was captured in 1906. He was hanged along with the other Ngoni leaders.
"I join you in mourning Chief Songea and all who were executed," said Steinmeier.
Historians estimate that during the colonial period in Tanzania, as many as 300,000 people were killed due to the actions of the German colonial authorities. Many of the deaths were recorded during the Maji Maji Rebellion, a significant uprising against the oppressive colonial regime.
"It shames me. I am ashamed of what German colonial soldiers did to your forefather and his fellow warriors. What happened here is part of our shared history -- the history of your forefathers and the history of our forefathers in Germany. I want to assure you that we Germans together with you, will look for answers to the unresolved questions that haunt you," said Steinmeier.
He also recognized that many human remains, including skulls, were taken to Germany during the colonial era, and promised to work with Tanzania for their repatriation.
Steinmeier’s heartfelt address to the Tanzanian people came on the last day of a three-day visit.
