Von der Leyen faces colonial reparations demand

(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced demands for colonial reparations during the 48th meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of government in Barbados. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell directly called on von der Leyen and other Western leaders to apologize and provide compensation for their countries’ historical roles in the transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas between 1517 and 1867. Mitchell emphasized that slavery should be recognized as a crime against humanity and demanded reparations to prevent similar atrocities in the future. While Caricom and the African Union (AU) have long called for reparations, support for these demands is increasing. Caricom’s plan includes technology transfers and investments to address pressing issues like health crises and illiteracy, while the AU is also formulating its approach. Von der Leyen responded by condemning slavery as a crime against humanity but did not address the reparations issue directly. The Caribbean leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, clarified that they are not seeking financial handouts, but rather a formal apology for the wrongs committed by colonial powers. Although specific reparations figures have not been agreed upon, the Caribbean leaders emphasized the importance...