APIA, Samoa — In an address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Britain’s King Charles urged nations to confront the Commonwealth’s painful history, particularly regarding the transatlantic slave trade. The remarks come amid intensified calls from African and Caribbean nations advocating for reparations from Britain, one of the principal countries involved in the historic trade.
“I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” said King Charles. “It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history, to guide us towards making the right choices in future.”
Representatives from the 56-member Commonwealth, many of whom are descendants of former British colonies, gathered in Samoa on October 21 for the summit. The demand for reparations, long voiced by members of the Caribbean Community and the African Union, has gained global traction in recent years. Supporters of reparations argue that the legacy of slavery has perpetuated racial inequalities worldwide, while opponents maintain that nations should not be held accountable for historical actions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attending the summit, signaled openness to discussions on reparations but stopped short of offering a formal apology. The Bahamas’ Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell confirmed that the summit’s final document, expected on October 26, will include language supporting dialogue on reparations.
From the 15th to the 19th centuries, an estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported by European traders and merchants and subjected to harsh, inhumane labor conditions in the Americas. Proponents of reparations argue that the wealth generated from this forced labor was instrumental in building the economic foundations of today’s global powers, while enslaved populations suffered lasting trauma and systemic disenfranchisement.
Baroness Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, addressed the summit, noting the organization’s commitment to fostering equality despite a shared painful history. “We have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to confound the painful history which brought us together and sit together as equals for 75 years,” she said.
As the summit progresses, the inclusion of reparations discussions signals a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth in reconciling its history with its future.