By : Lloyd Mahachi

Commonwealth leaders are preparing to defy the UK by agreeing to examine reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade at the upcoming summit in Samoa. Despite Downing Street’s insistence that the issue is not on the agenda, diplomatic sources reveal that officials are negotiating an agreement to conduct further research and begin a “meaningful conversation” about reparations.

The draft summit communique includes three paragraphs on reparatory justice, which could potentially leave the UK owing billions in reparations. Caribbean countries, led by the Bahamas, are pushing for reparations, with a report estimating the UK owes over £18 trillion.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wants to focus on current challenges, such as climate change, rather than past issues. However, Commonwealth leaders are determined to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism.

Reparatory justice can take many forms, including financial reparations, debt relief, official apologies, educational programs, and public health assistance. The issue is expected to be a central focus of the next Commonwealth summit in two years.

The UK government maintains that reparations are not on the agenda and that they do not pay reparations. However, Commonwealth leaders are eager to start a conversation, with the Bahamas’ Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell emphasizing the need for an apology and acknowledgment of past wrongs.

The summit, beginning Friday, will bring together 56 Commonwealth countries to discuss pressing issues, including climate change and economic growth.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi