Samuel Maharero and the herero resistance in Namibia

In the early 20th century, Namibia (then known as German South West Africa) became the battleground for one of Africa’s most tragic and heroic resistance struggles against European colonial rule.

At the heart of this resistance was Samuel Maharero, the paramount chief of the Herero people, who led his people in a fierce fight against German imperialism.

The Herero Revolt of 1904, under his leadership, was a bold attempt to reclaim sovereignty and dignity, but it ended in one of history’s first genocides.

Despite the devastating consequences, the Herero resistance remains a powerful symbol of African defiance against colonial oppression.

The Rise of Samuel Maharero

Samuel Maharero was born in the 1850s into the royal family of the Herero people, a pastoralist community in present-day Namibia. His father, Maharero wa Tjamuaha, had previously cooperated with German colonisers but also resisted their increasing control over Herero lands. After his father’s death in 1890, Samuel inherited the position of paramount chief and faced growing German encroachment on Herero territory.

The arrival of German settlers and colonial forces had disrupted Herero society, as land was seized for European farms, and indigenous people were subjected to forced labour and discriminatory policies. The Germans, under Governor Theodor Leutwein, sought to consolidate power by playing different ethnic groups against each other while continuing to expropriate land. Maharero initially attempted diplomacy, signing treaties with the Germans and maintaining a fragile peace. However, by the early 1900s, it became clear that the Germans had no intention of respecting Herero autonomy.

The Herero Revolt of 1904

Frustrated by broken promises and mounting injustices, Samuel Maharero declared war on January 12, 1904, launching a widespread armed rebellion against the Germans. The Herero, skilled horsemen and warriors, attacked German farms, military posts, and settlements, killing hundreds of colonialists and driving many settlers out of the territory. The uprising took the Germans by surprise, as Maharero’s forces initially overwhelmed colonial garrisons.

To unify his people, Maharero issued a famous directive to his fighters:

“Do not lay hands on Englishmen, Basters, Berg-Damaras, and Namas. But kill every German.”

This command highlighted his strategic thinking: by sparing non-German communities, Maharero aimed to isolate the Germans diplomatically and potentially gain allies against colonial rule.

The German Response – A Campaign of Extermination

The German Empire, alarmed by the Herero uprising, responded with brutal force. General Lothar von Trotha was sent to crush the rebellion, bringing with him a doctrine of racial extermination. The decisive battle took place at Waterberg in August 1904, where the Germans, using superior weaponry and military tactics, defeated the Herero forces.

Survivors, including women and children, were driven into the Omaheke Desert, where they faced thirst, starvation, and death. Von Trotha issued the infamous Vernichtungsbefehl (Extermination Order), which stated:

“The Herero are no longer German subjects. They must now leave the country. If they refuse, they will be shot.”

This marked the beginning of one of the first genocides of the 20th century. Tens of thousands of Herero perished, either in the desert or in German-run concentration camps, where they were subjected to forced labour, medical experiments, and abuse.

Maharero’s Flight and Legacy

Samuel Maharero, along with some of his followers, managed to escape into British Bechuanaland (modern-day Botswana). He lived in exile until his death in 1923, never seeing his homeland liberated. However, his resistance left a lasting mark on Namibian history.

In 1923, his body was returned to Namibia and given a hero’s burial in Okahandja, reinforcing his legacy as a leader who had fought for his people’s freedom. To this day, Herero Day (August 26th) is observed to honour Maharero and the fallen warriors.

Historical Recognition and Justice

For decades, the Herero genocide was largely ignored by the international community. Only in recent years has Germany formally acknowledged its role. In 2021, the German government officially recognised the genocide and pledged financial aid to Namibia as a form of reparations. However, debates continue over whether this is sufficient, as direct compensation to the Herero people has not been provided.

Conclusion

Samuel Maharero’s leadership during the Herero resistance of 1904 stands as a powerful chapter in Africa’s anti-colonial struggles. Though the rebellion was ultimately crushed, it set the stage for later resistance movements in Namibia, culminating in the country’s independence in 1990. Maharero’s story is a reminder of the resilience and courage of African leaders who fought against imperialist oppression, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

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