Britain’s disappointing denial of justice for Africa – Opinion – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

At the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Apia, Samoa from 21 to 26 October 2024, the United Kingdom reiterated its previous position that it would neither apologize nor make reparations for colonial crimes committed by the UK during the colonial period. Some 56 Commonwealth leaders and global experts from business and the private sector took part in CHOGM, which was held for the first time in a Pacific small island developing state.

World leaders attending the meeting hoped Prince Charles would use his speech as an opportunity to apologize and discuss ways to bring compensatory justice for Britain’s wrongful past. However, their hopes were dashed when Prince Charles said that while he acknowledged the “painful aspects” of Britain’s past, Britain would neither apologize nor seek justice for its colonial atrocities.

This tough British stance is an insult to Africa. Why should Britain refuse to offer a simple apology or reparation for its monumental misdeeds during the colonial period, especially when Commonwealth leaders advocate mutual understanding and a framework of unity and peace within the Commonwealth? Without justice there can be no unity and peace. Unity and peace flourish where justice prevails. Britain cannot deny African justice and yet advocate unity and peace.

It is noteworthy that European colonialism systematically led to the impoverishment of Africa. Britain exploited and expropriated Africa’s natural resources, raw materials and human capital. British colonial authorities stole Africa’s most valuable resources and artifacts, sometimes in exchange for such trivial items as mirrors or sugar. To this day, parts of the British Royal Palace are still decorated with artefacts taken by British colonialists from the ancient Benin Empire. Britain actually returned some of these stolen artifacts to Benin City, Nigeria.

Perhaps the most tragic aspect of British colonialism was the transatlantic enslavement of Africans. Thanks to the conspiracy of unscrupulous traditional African leaders, millions of Africans were forcibly taken to the West Indies and other places to work on sugar plantations. Other enslaved Africans were sent to the homes of their masters, where they suffered unspeakable inhumane treatment. This economic exploitation and enslavement has hampered Africa’s development to this day. The legacy of slavery and colonialism contributed to the racial inequality and discrimination that still affects African and African-descendant communities today.

Therefore, the constant calls for Britain to apologize for its colonial atrocities and restore justice are rational and justified. The official apology serves as a formal acknowledgment of the brutal suppression of uprisings, forced relocations and widespread exploitation suffered by the African people. Acknowledging this history honors the dignity of those who lived through these hardships. A sincere apology can promote reconciliation and demonstrate a sincere commitment to restoring respectful relationships with former colonies.

While we agree with Prince Charles that the past is irreversible and that an apology will not erase it, an apology is often seen as a critical step towards building a future that acknowledges and seeks to right historical wrongs. Apologies from former colonial powers reflect an acceptance of responsibility.

The apology also signals the need for justice and equality, reinforcing international human rights principles. This could spark discussions about restitution, reparations and policies that could help correct some of the remaining inequalities. That’s why countries like Germany and Belgium have apologized or acknowledged historical mistakes in Namibia and Congo respectively, setting precedents for how former colonial powers can deal with their legacies. Former French President Jacques Chirac played a significant role in discussions about the return of African artifacts seized during the colonial period. During his presidency (1995–2007), he recognized the need for African countries to have access to their cultural heritage.

This led to a broader discussion about restitution, although the actual return of artifacts gained significant momentum later. In 2017, President Emmanuel Macron formally promised to return African artifacts to their countries of origin, including Benin. In 2021, France returned 26 artifacts known as the “Treasures of Abomey” to Benin. These artifacts were removed from the Kingdom of Dahomey (now part of Benin) by French colonial forces in the 19th century.

In an era when countries are forced to reckon with their colonial past, Britain’s refusal to apologize and correct past mistakes demonstrates its resistance to accountability and social justice. This refusal affects Britain’s reputation as a champion of human rights and justice, making it hypocritical on the world stage. Britain’s refusal to apologize has costs both internationally and domestically, straining relations, damaging its reputation and perpetuating lingering grievances in its former colonies. By refusing to take this step, Britain risks long-term consequences that will affect its influence, partnerships and ability to participate meaningfully in a globalized, interconnected world that values ​​historical responsibility.

Given all this, Britain’s refusal to apologize or make amends is an afterthought. Faced with increasing calls to repatriate stolen artefacts, Britain returned some items stolen by British forces in 1897 during a punitive expedition that led to the sack of the Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria. These artefacts, including plaques, sculptures and ceremonial objects, were taken to Britain and distributed to various museums and private collections around the world. The decision is part of a broader movement in which museums and collectors around the world are recognizing the historical injustices associated with colonial plunder and taking steps to make amends by returning cultural heritage to its rightful communities.

The irony is that many African countries have yet to fully free themselves from various forms of neo-colonialism: paternalistic imperialism, political imperialism, economic imperialism and cultural imperialism. Despite gaining political independence, many African states are still heavily influenced by their former colonial masters due to certain policies, management practices and the need to request loans from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bretton Woods institutions, which often accompanied by strong ropes attached. This dependence creates an environment in which European countries (and now other world powers such as China and the United States) can exert influence over African political and economic systems, effectively continuing a form of control reminiscent of colonialism.

However, this should not encourage feelings of Afro-pessimism. Despite the seemingly irreversible challenges facing Africa, it will rise again and take its rightful place in the world. To achieve this, Eurocentrism must give way to Afrocentrism. African leaders must support a strong rule of law, a free press, an independent judiciary, anti-corruption agencies and strong accountability mechanisms. They are fundamental to resisting external pressure and ensuring that power remains with the people and not with foreigners or neo-colonialists.