Faith Nyasuguta
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal made a significant declaration, accepting the nation’s responsibility for the atrocities committed during the transatlantic slave trade and the colonial era. His acknowledgment hints at the necessity for reparations.
Over four centuries, approximately 12.5 million Africans endured kidnapping, grueling sea voyages aboard European vessels, and brutal enslavement. Survivors were coerced into labor on plantations, primarily in Brazil and the Caribbean, while others profited from their exploitation.
Portugal played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade, trafficking nearly 6 million Africans. However, the country has yet to fully reckon with its historical transgressions.
Education curricula often downplay Portugal’s involvement in transatlantic slavery, instead glorifying its colonial past. The country’s colonial territories included Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, and parts of India.
Addressing foreign correspondents, President Rebelo de Sousa asserted Portugal’s acceptance of full responsibility for past wrongs, including colonial massacres. He acknowledged the associated costs and emphasized the need to rectify these injustices.
Globally, momentum is building for reparations related to transatlantic slavery. Calls are growing for the establishment of specialized tribunals to address this issue. Activists emphasize that reparations and policy initiatives are necessary to combat systemic racism and inequalities stemming from Portugal’s historical legacy.
Spain, another major colonial power, has also faced calls for acknowledgment and reparations related to its colonial history. However, its response has been mixed, with varying levels of recognition and action.
The United Kingdom (UK), which played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, has seen growing discussions about reparations. Some British institutions have acknowledged their historical connections to slavery, but comprehensive national action remains elusive.
France, with its extensive colonial empire, has faced similar scrutiny. While some French leaders have expressed regret, there is ongoing debate about the depth of acknowledgment and the need for reparations.
Rebelo de Sousa now emphasizes that acknowledging and assuming responsibility for the past outweigh mere apologies. In his words, “Apologizing is the easy part.” The challenge lies in meaningful action to address historical injustices and pave the way for reparations.
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