‘Apologies for slave trade not enough, meaningful reparations needed’
JOHANNESBURG (AA) – Western countries that were involved in slave trade and other colonial-era crimes should not only offer apologies but also pay reparations to affected countries, say African academics.
Earlier this week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologized on behalf of his government for the Netherlands’ role in slave trade, reigniting a debate on the subject.
“The Netherlands in my view should pay reparations because an apology is not enough to the victims of slave trade and slavery, whether it is in South Africa or East Asia or wherever they were operating during colonialism,” Kealeboga Maphunye, a professor of African Politics at the University of South Africa, said.
Maphunye said an apology without meaningful reparations for crimes committed is just a ceremonial gesture that will not do anything to alleviate the suffering of people affected by slavery.
The academic argued that Africa and other developing nations are still trapped in poverty and underdevelopment because of the effects of the slave trade, oppression and colonialism.
In an apology speech on Monday, Rutte, whose country played a major role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, said: “For hundreds of years, people were made merchandise, exploited and abused in the name of the Dutch state. Today I apologize.”
Activists have criticized the Dutch prime minister for not announcing any reparation plans. According to media reports, Rutte told reporters after his speech that his government is not offering compensation to descendants of enslaved people. But it will instead set up a $212 million fund for initiatives to help tackle the legacy of slavery in the Netherlands and its former colonies.
“For many years, Western countries benefited from slavery and for sure they should go further than saying sorry for their role during the slave trade,” Dr. Buchanan Ismael, a political scientist at the University of Rwanda said.
He also said that countries that were involved in the slave trade should pay reparations for the crimes committed by their forebears.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
