Photo Credit: Barron’s

In a landmark decision, the 56-member Commonwealth has agreed that “the time has come” to discuss the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, acknowledging its “abhorrent” history. The announcement came during the Commonwealth summit in Samoa, where leaders engaged in extensive, and at times tense, discussions on one of the most sensitive aspects of their shared history.

Calls for Reparations Grow Stronger

The Commonwealth, which includes Britain and many of its former colonies, addressed the deep scars left by the transatlantic slave trade. The brutal practice saw an estimated 10-15 million people forcibly taken from Africa over a span of 400 years. African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations have long called for Britain and other European powers to provide reparations or make political amends for the horrors of slavery.

In the summit’s closing statement, leaders recognized demands for “reparatory justice” and underscored the need for “a meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversation.” While Britain and other colonial powers have offered general apologies for slavery in the past, they have resisted calls for financial compensation due to the significant potential costs.

Tensions and Compromise at the Summit

The summit’s conclusion was delayed as leaders negotiated a compromise on the wording of the final statement, aiming to balance the interests of nations seeking reparations with the reluctance of former colonial powers to commit explicitly. Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas emphasized the ongoing struggle for justice, stating, “The horrors of slavery left a deep, generational wound in our communities, and the fight for justice and reparatory justice is far from over.”

Despite falling short of the more concrete commitments desired by some former colonies, experts believe the summit marks a historic moment. Kingsley Abbott of the University of London’s Institute of Commonwealth Studies noted, “The commitment to conversations on reparatory justice wedges open the door for dialogue,” calling on the Commonwealth to seize this opportunity with “vision and courage.”

Britain’s Role and the Push for Relevance

The summit had high stakes for Britain, which is navigating its post-Empire identity while reaffirming its role within the Commonwealth after exiting the European Union. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, attending his first summit as monarch and head of the Commonwealth, represented Britain. The King, whose family’s wealth was partially built on the slave trade, faced calls to personally apologize but instead urged delegates to “reject the language of division” and focus on addressing enduring inequalities.

“We cannot change the past,” King Charles said, “but we can commit, with all our hearts, to learning its lessons and finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.” The monarch departed the summit before the final communiqué was agreed upon.

Climate Change and the Ocean Declaration

The Commonwealth leaders found consensus on climate change, a pressing global issue, by adopting an “Ocean Declaration.” This agreement recognizes national maritime boundaries even in the face of rising sea levels and commits to protecting at least 30% of the ocean and restoring 30% of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030. Outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland highlighted that the declaration secures permanent maritime boundaries.

New Leadership for the Commonwealth

The summit concluded with the appointment of Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. With a background in law and a tenure as Ghana’s Foreign Minister for seven years, Botchwey has been a vocal advocate for reparations and Commonwealth-wide free trade agreements. She expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “Truly humbled by the overwhelming support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in selecting me as the incoming Secretary-General. The work indeed lies ahead!”

The Samoa summit has set a new tone for the Commonwealth’s future, paving the way for potentially groundbreaking discussions on reparations while also addressing the existential challenge of climate change. The next steps will test the bloc’s ability to lead on these complex issues with unity and purpose.

Credit: Barron’s