On the final day of their royal visit to Australia and Samoa, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a farewell ceremony in the village of Siumu, Samoa. Representatives from 56 countries gathered in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which began on October 21. During the event, nations from Africa and the Caribbean have persistently argued that the United Kingdom should take responsibility for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, seeking either reparations or at the very least some form of political acknowledgment.
In his remarks at the summit on October 25, King Charles III emphasized the importance of recognizing the Commonwealth’s “painful” history. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shown willingness to consider the demands of these nations, though he remains opposed to financial reparations and is exploring “non-cash” alternatives.
King Charles stated, “By listening to the voices of people from across the Commonwealth, I’ve come to understand how our most painful past continues to resonate. Therefore, understanding our history is crucial as it can guide us to make the right choices going forward.”
According to reports from Central News Agency, calls for reparations from the UK for the transatlantic slave trade have been long-standing, but momentum has been growing, particularly within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union in recent times.
Opponents of reparations argue that nations should not bear the burden of historical wrongs, while supporters contend that the issues stemming from slavery have contributed to ongoing and pervasive racial inequalities today.
On October 21, Sunak communicated to the BBC that the UK is open to hearing from countries wishing to discuss the issue at the summit, but he dismissed the possibility of the UK issuing an apology for its historical role in the trade.
The Daily Telegraph reported that in response to demands from Commonwealth nations for reparations potentially amounting to £18 trillion (approximately $23.3 trillion), Sunak has ruled out financial compensation. However, he is reportedly considering alternative non-cash options such as debt relief, support for public health initiatives, and educational programs for students from Commonwealth countries.
Frederick Mitchell, the Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, informed the BBC on October 24 that parts of the draft conclusions from the summit, expected to be released on October 26, will call for discussions on the reparations issue.
Patricia Scotland, a British diplomat and lawyer of Dominican descent, who serves as the Commonwealth Secretary-General, stated at the summit, “We have demonstrated an unparalleled capacity to redefine this painful history, which is what has allowed us to sit together as equals for 75 years.”
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly taken by European ships and merchants to be sold as slaves. Those who survived the harrowing journey ultimately found themselves toiling under inhumane conditions on plantations in the Americas, while others profited from their labor.
