The Commonwealth’s 56 members agreed the “time has come” for talks about the legacy of the “abhorrent” transatlantic slave trade Saturday, in a landmark summit declaration that raised the prospect of future reparations.
Gathering in Samoa, leaders from Britain and dozens of former colonies held lengthy and occasionally tense talks over one of the most sensitive aspects of their shared and troubled past.
In a joint statement, Commonwealth leaders noted calls for “reparatory justice” for the “abhorrent” transatlantic slave trade and the “enduring effects” of dispossessing Indigenous people, indentureship and colonialism.
“The time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation toward forging a common future based on equity,” a joint “Samoa Communique” said.
African, Caribbean and Pacific nations want Britain — and other colonial powers — to atone for slavery and other ills of colonization, and to start talks about compensation.
The meeting’s conclusion was delayed for hours as leaders and officials tried to hammer out a compromise.
The final text may be more vague and legalistic than some former colonies wanted.
The Commonwealth leaders found more common cause on the “existential” issue of climate change.
