Portugal refuses to pay slavery reparations after President’s motion

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has suggested that reparations be paid by canceling the colonies’ debts, a suggestion rejected by the government. A statue honoring João Cândido, a black sailor who led a revolt against physical punishment of Brazilian navy soldiers in the beginning of the 20th century, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (AP) The Portuguese government has refused to initiate any reparation processes for the atrocities committed during the colonial transatlantic era, during which Africans were forced into slavery for four centuries.  Portuguese ships began abducting and transporting Africans in the 15th century, who were sold into slavery, mostly in Brazil. By the 19th century, Portugal had enslaved at least 6 million Africans.  According to The Guardian, the government addressed the issue in a statement to Lusa, a Portuguese news outlet, saying it aimed to “deepen mutual relations, respect for historical truth and increasingly intense and close cooperation, based on the reconciliation of brotherly peoples”. However, it added that no programs or processes existed for reparation, which was consistent with previous governments.  President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on the other hand, stated on Tuesday that reparation was a necessity, sparking controversy and criticism with...