London, United Kingdom – The three candidates vying for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General have called for reparations to be paid to countries affected by slavery and colonialism.
In a debate hosted by Chatham House, the candidates from The Gambia, Ghana, and Lesotho expressed their support for either financial reparations or “reparative justice” as they outlined their visions for leading the 56-member organization.
Calls for reparations have intensified in recent years, particularly following the global Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. African and Caribbean nations have formed an alliance to pressure former slave-owning states to pay for historical injustices.
Shirley Botchwey, Ghana’s foreign minister, advocated for financial reparations, noting that the Commonwealth’s role in facilitating such payments would depend on the decisions of its member states.
Joshua Setipa, a former trade minister for Lesotho, expressed support for reparative justice. He emphasized the Commonwealth’s historical role in addressing divisive issues like racism and its potential to facilitate discussions on reparations.
Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia’s foreign minister, also endorsed reparative justice and highlighted the Commonwealth’s convening power to promote dialogue and action on this critical issue.
The Commonwealth, a global organization with a rich history, has evolved from the ashes of the British empire. Its 56 members, primarily former British colonies, represent a combined population of 2.7 billion. King Charles, the ceremonial head of the organization, has been a strong advocate for its continued relevance.
The three candidates vying for the Secretary-General position have dismissed suggestions that the Commonwealth is a colonial relic. They argue that countries have made independent choices to join the organization and that it can play a vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and youth unemployment.
The leadership vote will take place at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa from October 21 to 26.
Watch the debate below
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