At the unveiling of the book “Das Auswärtige Amt und die Kolonien” (The Foreign Office and the Colonies), German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock delivered a poignant speech on the importance of historical awareness in shaping future foreign policy. The event, held on June 7, 2024, served as a platform for acknowledging Germany’s colonial past and its impact on present-day diplomacy.
Minister Baerbock opened her address by quoting Tanzanian Nobel Prize laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, emphasizing the role of history in understanding our identity and actions. She stressed that while the past cannot be changed, it is crucial to reflect on it with today’s knowledge to learn lessons for the future.
The Foreign Minister acknowledged the ongoing task of confronting the ministry’s colonial history, stating, “Today is not a one-off event but part of a strategy… looking at how we as a ministry should address our colonial history.” She expressed gratitude to her predecessor Heiko Maas and Martin Kröger of the Political Archive for their roles in initiating this reflective process.
Highlighting the contributions of the Diplomats of Color initiative, Baerbock underscored the importance of internal critical debate in strengthening the ministry both outwardly and inwardly. She reflected on the book’s contents, which juxtapose brutal violence with mundane bureaucratic processes, illustrating the interconnectedness of actions and mindsets during Germany’s colonial era.
The Foreign Minister addressed the historical responsibility for atrocities committed in former German colonies, such as the Maji Maji War and the genocide against the Herero and Nama peoples. She posed a rhetorical question about building future partnerships without acknowledging this history, advocating for a values-led foreign policy that considers partners’ perspectives and historical experiences.
Baerbock cited Federal President Steinmeier’s request for forgiveness in Tanzania and ongoing discussions with Namibia as steps towards addressing past injustices. She also highlighted the return of cultural property, like the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, as a priority for the Federal Government, emphasizing the significance of these objects to their countries of origin.
The speech concluded with a call for continued dialogue and action to reconcile with the past and forge honest partnerships for the future. Baerbock’s words resonate with the sentiment expressed by Australian Prime Minister Penny Wong on the necessity, albeit painful, of discussing history to move forward together.
