Tanzania's Fight to Reclaim Ancestral Remains from Germany

For over a century, the remains of Tanzanian leaders and warriors taken during colonial rule have been held in European institutions. Now, after decades of advocacy, DNA research, and political pressure, families and activists are pushing harder than ever for their return.

During Germany's brutal colonial rule over what is now Tanzania (1885-1918), resistance leaders like Mangi Meli of the Chagga and Nduna Songea Mbano of the Ngoni were executed. Their heads were taken to Europe, where they were either kept as trophies or used for racist scientific studies. Many were sent to Berlin's Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK), where thousands of human skulls remain unclaimed.

The search for these remains has been painstaking. Descendants like 92-year-old Isaria Anael Meli have spent decades writing letters and lobbying governments for answers. Recently, a breakthrough came through DNA analysis. Scientists matched three skulls in Berlin to families in Tanzania, marking the first confirmed identifications of ancestral remains stolen from the country.

A documentary, The Empty Grave, follows two Tanzanian families navigating the complex process of repatriation. The film highlights the spiritual and cultural impact of these missing remains, as many Tanzanians believe that without proper burial, their ancestors' spirits cannot rest. The emotional burden of intergenerational trauma is evident, as descendants like Felix and Ernest Kaaya break down while retracing their ancestors' tragic fates.

Germany has taken some steps toward accountability. In 2023, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Tanzania and publicly apologized for colonial atrocities. However, families and activists argue that an apology alone is not enough. They demand full repatriation, financial reparations, and the return of stolen personal belongings.

The fight continues. Tanzania's government is now under increased pressure to negotiate with Germany and ensure that all remains—both identified and unidentified—are returned home. For those affected, this is not just about history. It's about justice, dignity, and healing a wound that has been open for over a century.