No reparation can exonerate the UK and others from historic crimes of slavery and colonialism, says PeacePro

●Urges colonial powers to desist from justifying the worst human tragedy

Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), a prominent Nigerian peacebuilding think tank, has called on former colonial powers, including the United Kingdom, to formally acknowledge and take responsibility for the historic injustices of the transatlantic slave trade and colonial rule.

The call was contained in a statement released by the organisation to the public through the media.

The statement followed recent controversial remarks by the UK Labour Party leader, Kemi Bodenoch, opposing reparations for slavery and colonialism, which PeacePro argued undermined the grave and lasting impacts of these historical atrocities.

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PeacePro, under the leadership of Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, emphasized that no amount of revisionism could erase the brutal legacy of slavery and colonialism, which involved the widespread exploitation of millions and has left enduring scars on societies around the world.

According to Hamzat, the harms inflicted on African nations and other colonized communities were incalculable, affecting generations economically, socially, and culturally.

Hamzat further noted that, while reparations as being canvased by some might be necessary to address ongoing impacts, no compensation could fully account for the scope of suffering endured under these oppressive systems.

“While we advocate for reparative justice as an essential step toward healing and global reconciliation, we must also recognize that no compensation could ever fully account for the immeasurable loss endured,” said Hamzat.

He added that “The legacies of slavery and colonialism are embedded in global economic and social structures today. Only by confronting these truths and accepting responsibility can former colonial powers begin to address these persisting inequalities.”

PeacePro’s statement drew parallels to the response following the Holocaust, in which nations accepted accountability and committed to reparations and ongoing education.

By contrast, little has been done to formally address the consequences of centuries of forced labour, cultural destruction, and economic exploitation that characterized the colonial and slave trade era.

PeacePro is urging governments, particularly those of former colonial powers, to adopt a comprehensive approach to reparative justice.

This includes formal apologies, educational initiatives that openly address colonial histories, and efforts to address systemic inequities that are the lasting legacy of these atrocities.

PeacePro asserted that this approach was necessary to establish a foundation of global peace and respect among nations.