Atlantic slave trade reparations urged as African and Caribbean leaders meet in Accra

African and Caribbean leaders meeting in Accra on Friday pressed former slave-trading nations to issue apologies and pay reparations. The call followed a UN resolution passed in March. The resolution described the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. Although non-binding, the measure was presented as carrying strong moral weight.

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The gathering, called the Next Steps conference, released a declaration on the Atlantic slave trade. The statement urged countries linked to the trade to give "full, formal and unconditional\" apologies. Delegates framed apologies as the first step towards reconciliation, trust-building, and reparatory justice. Organisers said the talks aimed to shift the debate towards specific action.

UN resolution and reparations debate

Organisers said the Accra meeting was meant to move beyond recognition and towards concrete measures on reparations. Plans discussed included efforts to seek compensation through international law. The March UN resolution was described as a new basis for talks. Leaders argued it created a clearer responsibility for states tied to the trade.

Ghana President John Dramani Mahama said the UN decision opened space for deeper engagement on reparations. Mahama said slavery’s impact still affects Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider African diaspora. \"Were here because recognition creates responsibility, and because the enduring consequences of this history continue to demand thoughtful, coordinated, and sustained international engagement,\" Mahama told delegates from more than 80 countries.

Atlantic slave trade facts and reparations proposals

Historians estimate about 12 million Africans were taken by European traders from the 16th to the 19th century. Many were forced into slavery on plantations. Those plantations created wealth for trading nations and owners. Leaders at the conference said the profits came alongside long-term misery and damage to communities.

Reparations plans have been raised before in Ghana. At a summit in 2023, participants suggested a Global Reparation Fund. However, the proposal did not explain how the fund would work. The Accra conference referred to the idea as part of wider options. Speakers indicated that design and enforcement remained unresolved.

Mixed views on reparations in contributing countries

Views on reparations differ in countries that might be asked to contribute. The United States was cited as one place where support is limited. A 2021 Pew Research Center survey found about three in 10 US adults backed repayment. The survey described options such as land or money for descendants of enslaved people.

Activists at the centre of the debate have argued for more than cash payments. Some have called for direct financial transfers to affected people and communities. Others have also sought development support for countries. Another demand has been the return of resources taken during colonisation, alongside other forms of repair.

With inputs from PTI