Article authors:
Reuters
Ayenat Mersie and Estelle Shirbon
Kigali — Prince Charles of the United Kingdom expressed deep sorrow for slavery in a speech to federal leaders in Rwanda on Friday, the roots of the organization. In a painful time of history that admitted that he was lying.
The Commonwealth of Nations, a club of 54 countries that evolved from the British Empire, covers about one-third of humanity and has shown itself as a network of equal partners, but some. Member states are seeking colonial calculations. past.
"I want to admit that the roots of our modern society are deeply ingrained in the hardest times of our history," Charles said at the opening of the two-day summit in Kigali. I told the federal leaders who gathered at the ceremony.
"Explain the depth of personal sorrow for the suffering of many as they continue to deepen their own understanding of the lasting effects of slavery.
Britain and other European countries enslaved more than 10 million Africans between the 15th and 19th centuries and struggled with plantations in the Caribbean and the Americas in the Atlantic Ocean. Transported over. Many people died on the way.
Federal members include West African countries, such as Nigeria and Ghana, where slaves were captured, and 12 Caribbean countries that spent the rest of their lives.
The Federation has never publicly addressed the legacy of slavery. Some Caribbean ministers have requested discussions on it, including the issue of reparations that Charles did not mention.
"In order for us to build a common future that benefits all our citizens, we too must find new ways to recognize the past. Easily Speaking of which, this is the conversation that has come, "Charles said.
New entrants
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who joined the federation in 2009, gave different views to the gathered leaders in his own speech before Charles spoke. rice field.
"The fact that we held this conference in Rwanda, a new member with no historical connection to the British Empire, represents our choice to continue to rethink the Federation for a changing world. "He said. The
Summit will consider applying for the participation of former French colonies Togo and Gabon in the Commonwealth. This is a sign of disillusionment within the French powers in Africa and is the attraction of English-speaking clubs.
The summit is attended by 29 heads of state and government. Twenty-five other member states, including South Africa, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand, have dispatched delegations led by ministers or diplomats.
In the background, there is a nasty problem with the host country.
Earlier this month, 24 civil society groups, including Human Rights Watch, said federal human rights obligations would be compromised if leaders did not challenge Rwanda's records during the summit. rice field.
They said the Rwandan government was responsible for the abusive charges, harassment and torture of dissidents, but Rwanda denies this.
Britain's controversial policy of deporting asylum seekers, described by Charles as "horrifying," is also in the limelight, according to British media. Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Kagame defended it. (Additional report by Clement Uwiringiyimana and Andrew MacAskill, written by Estelle Shirbon, edited by William Maclean, Gareth Jones, Alex Richardson)
