Will Britain ever pay for ‘slavery crimes’? Candidates vying for Commonwealth boss back reparation

All three candidates running to become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth, a 56-nation club headed by Britain’s King Charles, said on Wednesday they supported reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

The Commonwealth evolved out of the British empire and is one of the world’s biggest international organisations, covering some 2.7 billion people. Members include Canada and India as well as 21 African countries, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.

Charles expressed deep sorrow over slavery in a speech to Commonwealth leaders in 2022 and last year gave his support to research that will examine the British monarchy’s links to slavery. However, Britain, like most colonial powers, has rejected calls for reparations.

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Support for reparations: All three candidates running for Commonwealth Secretary-General support reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

Commonwealth overview: The Commonwealth is a 56-nation organization that evolved from the British Empire, and represents 2.7 billion people. Notable members include Canada, India, 21 African nations, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.

Historical background:

The Commonwealth’s formation is tied to the British Empire, and reparations discussions stem from the legacy of colonialism and slavery.

King Charles’ remarks on slavery: In 2022, King Charles expressed sorrow over slavery and supported research into the British monarchy’s links to slavery.

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Britain’s stance: Britain has consistently rejected calls for reparations, like many other colonial powers.

Upcoming election: The new Secretary-General will be elected in October during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa.

Candidate positions:

Shirley Botchwey (Ghana): Advocates for reparations and suggests that the Commonwealth could provide a “common voice” if member states request it.

Joshua Setipa (Lesotho): Supports immediate Commonwealth action on reparations, emphasizing its role in facilitating difficult discussions.

Mamadou Tangara (Gambia): Fully supports reparations but believes member states should lead the conversations, with the Commonwealth acting as a facilitator.

Reparations beyond financial payments: Both Botchwey and Setipa stress that reparations involve more than financial compensation, including support for addressing climate change and building economic resilience.

Historical slavery impact: Between the 15th and 19th centuries, 12.5 million Africans were enslaved by European merchants, with Britain transporting 3.2 million people. Portugal enslaved nearly 6 million people, making it the most active European nation in the slave trade.

Growing momentum for reparations: The divisive issue of reparations is gaining traction, with some institutions and nations acknowledging historical wrongs.

Previous statements by Botchwey: Botchwey has emphasized that admissions of guilt provide a foundation for demands for reparations.

Regional efforts on reparations: The Caribbean Community has a 10-point reparation plan, including debt cancellation. The African Union is developing a unified stance on reparations, led by Ghana.

UN support for reparations: Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for reparations to address centuries of exclusion and discrimination.