Efforts to return human remains taken by German colonial forces are shedding light on historical injustices and intergenerational trauma in southern Tanzania.
In the early 20th century, German colonialists executed local resistance leaders in Songea, southern Tanzania, and transported the remains to Europe. Families of the victims are now pursuing justice, striving to recover their ancestors’ remains. A documentary titled The Empty Grave highlights the emotional journey of two Tanzanian families navigating bureaucratic hurdles to bring their relatives’ remains back home.
One of the central figures in the documentary is John Mbano, a legal officer, and his wife, Cesilia, a teacher, who are searching for the remains of Nduna Songea Mbano, a leader of the Ngoni people executed during the Maji Maji rebellion in 1906. His skull was reportedly taken to Germany after his execution.
Another story follows Felix and Ernest Kaaya, descendants of Chief Lobulu Kaaya, whose remains were taken to Berlin after his execution in 1900. In the film, Ernest emotionally visits the tree where his ancestor was hanged, emphasizing the deep scars left by colonial violence.
The documentary also addresses the broader legacy of German colonialism in East Africa, marked by atrocities like the Maji Maji rebellion, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands.
Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visited Songea in 2023, apologizing for colonial crimes and pledging efforts to locate and return stolen remains. The film has been screened in Tanzania and Germany, aiming to spark dialogue and empower more families to seek justice for their ancestors.
Filmmaker Cece Mlay, co-director of the documentary, remarked on the emotional impact of the work, particularly how it illuminates the enduring trauma caused by colonial injustices. The movement for repatriation continues to grow, fostering conversations about historical accountability and the restoration of stolen heritage.