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

At a debate at London’s Chatham House, the three declared candidates – Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho – said they backed the idea of making amends for slavery and colonialism. read more 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. Advertisement 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. 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...