In an effort to confront the painful legacy of its colonial rule in Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika), Germany has begun negotiations with the East African nation. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

made this announcement after meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam during a three-day visit to the country.

Tanzania, once a German colony from 1885 to 1918, initiated legal action against the German government in 2017 to seek justice for the tens of thousands who suffered and perished during the Maji Maji rebellion of 1905-1907. The rebellion witnessed widespread torture and killings perpetrated by German soldiers, with many Tanzanians dying from starvation as German troops intentionally targeted local food sources as a form of punishment for opposing colonial rule.

President Steinmeier acknowledged that the relations between Germany and Tanzania have been marred by these atrocities committed during the three decades of German colonial occupation. He emphasized the importance of addressing this dark chapter and forging a path forward in collaboration.

Moreover, the German leader announced his plans to meet individuals affected by the Maji Maji rebellion, indicating that Germany is open to cooperating with Tanzania on the repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains. Tanzanian politicians and activists have long been advocating for compensation and the return of human remains currently on display in German museums.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed that her discussions with President Steinmeier were comprehensive and included the initiation of negotiations to address the German colonial legacy. This gesture follows Germany's apology to Namibia in 2021 for the genocide committed against the Herero and Nama peoples between 1904 and 1908. Berlin has agreed to a reconciliation agreement with Namibia, pledging over €1 billion in funding for projects as reparation, marking the first genocide of the 20th century.

President Steinmeier is scheduled to continue his African tour with a visit to Zambia from Wednesday to Friday. This visit will mark the first by a German federal president to the southern African country.

Simultaneously, during a four-day state visit to Kenya, Britain's King Charles acknowledged "abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence" committed against Kenyan nationals during their struggle for independence and sovereignty. While no formal apologies were issued, pressure continues to mount on the UK, which ruled Kenya from 1901 to 1960, to express remorse and provide reparations for the abuses committed during colonial rule, including the killing of thousands of Kenyan protesters. Photo by David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, Wikimedia commons.