Commonwealth reparations
The race for the next Commonwealth Secretary General has taken on a historic tone as three African candidates have boldly advocated for reparations to address the lasting damage caused by slavery and colonialism. This call, made at a debate hosted by the Chatham House think tank in London on September 11, 2024, has sparked renewed global conversations about reparative justice, resonating far beyond the walls of the debate room. With contenders from The Gambia, Ghana, and Lesotho demanding either financial compensation or other forms of reparations, the future of the Commonwealth reparations could witness a turning point in its role in global historical redress.
The Growing Momentum for Reparations: Addressing Slavery and Colonialism’s Long Shadow
The demand for reparations has grown louder, especially after the 2020 murder of George Floyd in the U.S., which galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement across the globe. Floyd’s death sparked worldwide protests that forced governments, organizations, and institutions to confront their historical ties to slavery and colonialism. As a result, a coalition of African and Caribbean countries joined forces in 2023 to demand accountability from former colonial powers for the centuries of exploitation and human suffering that defined the transatlantic slave trade. Their calls for reparations extend beyond financial compensation, seeking justice and recognition for “historical mass crimes” committed by slave-owning states.
The Commonwealth, which evolved from the British Empire, has a significant role in this debate. Of its 56 member countries, all but four were once colonies of the British Empire. The Commonwealth, therefore, faces increasing pressure to address the colonial legacy that helped shape its founding. The emergence of reparations as a central issue in the race for the next Secretary General reflects the organization’s deep connection to the history of slavery and colonization.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, has emerged as a vocal proponent for financial reparations. She has made clear that she believes the Commonwealth could play an essential role in the fight for reparative justice. “Financial reparations are good,” Botchwey said at the debate. “Whether or not the Commonwealth has a role to play will depend on the heads of government, who will give the secretary general her marching orders.” Her statement is significant, as it places the issue of reparations squarely on the Commonwealth’s agenda, a topic that the organization has largely avoided until now.
Reparative Justice vs. Financial Reparations: The Candidates’ Positions
The idea of reparations extends beyond mere financial compensation. Joshua Setipa, the former Trade Minister of Lesotho and another leading candidate for Secretary General, has called for a broader approach to reparative justice. In his remarks during the debate, Setipa stated that he fully supports the concept of reparative justice. “The Commonwealth has a long history of facilitating discussions around tough, divisive issues, and this should be no different,” Setipa said, referencing the organization’s contributions to resolving racial injustice in countries such as Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Setipa emphasized that reparative justice goes beyond money; it also involves public recognition of the atrocities committed, formal apologies, and societal healing. He pointed to the Commonwealth’s historical role in tackling racism, which he argued was even more divisive than the issue of reparations. “We’ve dealt with racism, which was arguably even more divisive than this,” Setipa said, noting the organization’s contributions to ending white-minority rule in Zimbabwe and South Africa. His comments highlight the Commonwealth’s potential to serve as a platform for dialogue and healing on issues of historical injustice.
Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia’s Foreign Minister, echoed Setipa’s sentiments, stating his full support for reparatory justice. “The Commonwealth can use its convening power to facilitate the dialogue and make it happen,” Tangara said. He, like his counterparts, recognizes the influence the Commonwealth wields in global diplomacy and its potential to become a leading voice in the reparations debate. Tangara’s statement underscores the idea that reparations are not just a financial issue, but one of moral and ethical responsibility for the crimes committed during the era of slavery and colonization.
The Commonwealth’s Evolution: From Colonial Relic to Advocate for Global Justice?
The Commonwealth, formed from the remnants of the British Empire, has long been viewed as a symbol of colonial legacy. Its 56 member states, representing 2.7 billion people, include countries from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific. While the majority of its members were once part of the British Empire, the Commonwealth has evolved into a voluntary organization that promotes democracy, human rights, and economic development. However, its imperial origins still cast a shadow over its work, particularly when addressing historical injustices such as slavery and colonialism.
King Charles III, who assumed the role of ceremonial head of the Commonwealth after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, has inherited an organization at a crossroads. The Commonwealth faces questions about its relevance and its ability to tackle pressing global issues like climate change, youth unemployment, and now, reparations. Despite these challenges, the candidates vying to replace Patricia Scotland as Secretary General are determined to reshape the organization’s role in the 21st century, positioning it as an advocate for justice and reparations.
All three candidates have dismissed the notion that the Commonwealth is a colonial relic. Instead, they argue that it has become a force for good in the world, addressing critical issues such as climate change, global inequality, and now, historical justice. With the leadership vote scheduled to take place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa from October 21 to 26, 2024, the debate over reparations could define the future direction of the organization.
The Global Reparations Movement: A Timeline of Key Events
2020: The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 triggers global Black Lives Matter protests, renewing calls for reparations for slavery and colonialism. Governments, institutions, and individuals around the world begin to examine their ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
2021: The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) renews its calls for reparations from European countries that were involved in the transatlantic slave trade. CARICOM’s Reparations Commission continues to push for financial compensation and acknowledgment of the historical crimes committed by former colonial powers.
2022: Barbados, a Commonwealth member, becomes a republic, formally cutting ties with the British monarchy. The move is seen as a symbolic break from the colonial past and further fuels the global reparations debate.
2023: African and Caribbean nations form a coalition to press for reparations from former colonial powers. The coalition, which includes countries such as Jamaica, Ghana, and The Gambia, calls for accountability for the “historical mass crimes” committed during the transatlantic slave trade.
September 2024: Candidates from Ghana, The Gambia, and Lesotho publicly advocate for reparations during a debate at Chatham House in London. Their statements spark renewed global interest in the issue, positioning reparations as a central topic in the upcoming Commonwealth leadership vote.
October 2024: The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa is expected to address the issue of reparations, potentially setting the stage for a major shift in the organization’s approach to historical justice.
Expert Opinions: What Do Scholars and Leaders Say About Reparations?
Experts on reparations and global justice have weighed in on the debate, offering a range of perspectives on how the Commonwealth should approach the issue.
Dr. Hilary Beckles, Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, has been a leading voice in the call for reparations. Beckles argues that reparations are not just about money, but about “repairing the damage done to generations of people who were dehumanized and exploited.” In his view, the Commonwealth has a moral responsibility to address the historical wrongs of slavery and colonialism.
“The Commonwealth must stand at the forefront of this movement for justice,” Beckles said in a recent interview. “It cannot continue to ignore its imperial past while claiming to promote human rights and equality. Reparations are about acknowledgment, accountability, and healing.”
Professor Verene Shepherd, Director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, echoes Beckles’ sentiments. “Reparations are not a handout, but a recognition of the tremendous harm caused by slavery and colonialism,” Shepherd said. She believes that the Commonwealth has a unique opportunity to lead the global reparations movement by facilitating dialogue between former colonial powers and the nations they exploited.
In addition to these expert voices, Dr. Michael Jennings, a political scientist at SOAS University of London, has argued that the Commonwealth could play a pivotal role in advancing reparative justice. “The Commonwealth is one of the few global institutions that has both the reach and the moral authority to facilitate meaningful discussions on reparations,” Jennings said. “If it can embrace this role, it could redefine its purpose for the 21st century.”
Conclusion: The Commonwealth at a Crossroads
As the Commonwealth prepares for its upcoming leadership vote, the issue of reparations has taken center stage. With three African candidates advocating for reparative justice, the organization faces a critical choice. Will it embrace a future in which it takes a leading role in addressing the legacies of slavery and colonialism, or will it continue to be seen as a relic of its imperial past?
The calls for reparations, however, are not just about financial compensation. They are about acknowledging the deep wounds left by centuries of exploitation and oppression and taking concrete steps to repair the damage done. As the Commonwealth stands at this crossroads, its future direction will determine how the world addresses the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism.
This leadership contest presents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to demonstrate that it can evolve from its colonial origins into a modern institution committed to justice and equality. The global debate over reparations is far from over, and the Commonwealth could be at the heart of that conversation.
Sources and References:
- Chatham House Debate – September 11, 2024: Chatham House Official Website
- CARICOM Reparations Commission: CARICOM Official Website
- Dr. Michael Jennings, SOAS University of London: SOAS Research on Reparations
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FAQs:
- What role can the Commonwealth play in advancing reparations?
- The Commonwealth can use its platform to facilitate discussions between former colonial powers and affected countries, potentially leading to reparative justice through dialogue and diplomatic pressure.
- Why is reparations for slavery and colonialism important now?
- The global protests following George Floyd’s death reignited calls for reparations, bringing attention to the long-term damage caused by slavery and colonialism and prompting nations to seek accountability.
- Who are the key candidates for the Commonwealth Secretary General position?
- Shirley Botchwey from Ghana, Joshua Setipa from Lesotho, and Mamadou Tangara from The Gambia are the three key candidates vying for the position, each advocating for reparations.
- What are some examples of countries pushing for reparations?
- Countries like Jamaica, Ghana, and Barbados, along with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), are at the forefront of calls for reparations from former colonial powers.
- How does reparative justice differ from financial reparations?
- Reparative justice involves a broader scope than financial reparations, focusing on moral accountability, formal apologies, and societal healing in addition to monetary compensation.
