Commonwealth Chief Hopefuls Push for Reparations: A New Era?

In a significant development, all three candidates vying for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations have expressed support for reparations for slavery and colonialism This stance was articulated during a debate at London’s Chatham House, where the candidates – Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana, and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho – unanimously backed the idea of making amends for past atrocities.

This consensus could signal a pivotal shift in the approach of the Commonwealth, which evolved from the British empire. The issue gains particular relevance considering that about 10% of the UK’s population has roots in former colonies, including many whose ancestors may have been enslaved.

India, as a member of the Commonwealth, could also be eligible for such reparations. It’s worth noting that Indian diplomat and writer Shashi Tharoor had advocated for the idea of Britain owing reparations to its former colonies in a famous speech at the Oxford Union in 2015.

However, questions arise about the effectiveness of the Commonwealth in raising such serious issues. Is this aging institution still capable of playing a meaningful role in today’s world?

The call for reparations, while gaining traction, faces challenges. The concept of “reparative justice” is complex, involving not just financial measures but also addressing historical injustices. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how Britain will respond to these calls and whether the Commonwealth can serve as an effective forum for such discussions.

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