King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, has openly acknowledged that the transatlantic slave trade was a shameful chapter in human history that continues to cast a shadow over Caribbean nations and the Commonwealth.
Expressing personal sorrow over the horrors and grave abuses of the transatlantic slave trade, the King expressed his commitment to working with Commonwealth nations to address the lasting consequences of those injustices.
The monarch was speaking at the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
“History is not ours to choose or change. We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past,” he said. His remarks came in response to growing demands for reparatory justice, but he stopped short of issuing a formal apology.
King Charles III highlighted access to education, investment in jobs and opportunities, increased intra-Commonwealth trade, and climate resilience as areas through which member states could build stronger partnerships and improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.
The King’s remarks follow a statement by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, before the Commonwealth meeting, signalling Britain’s readiness to consider a formal state apology and the need to engage in honest dialogue and stop “sticking our heads in the sand” regarding its past involvement in human trafficking.
Prime Minister Burnham proposed alternative forms of support, such as debt restructuring and more favourable repayment terms for the poorest Commonwealth countries.
The debate over reparations remains a significant issue surrounding this year’s Commonwealth summit, with Caribbean governments and advocacy groups calling for recognition, accountability, and concrete measures to address the socioeconomic effects of slaver.
President Mahama on reparation
Meanwhile President John Mahama has declared that repatriation for people of African descent is a fundamental right rather than an act of charity, calling on African countries to establish legal pathways for members of the global African family to return and settle on the continent.
He has said this in his 80th and 81st address at the United Nations General Assemblies, where he made a very loud clarion call on the world to condemn the historic transatlantic slave trade and declare it the gravest crime on humanity.
King Charles III’s acknowledgement
King Charles the III’s acknowledgement comes on the back of President Mahama’s speeches at both the 80th and 81st UN General Assemblies and the strong and powerful speech he delivered in the Jamaican Parliament on 4th of August 2026, during a state visit.
Addressing the Jamaican Parliament on Tuesday, August 4, during his State Visit to the Caribbean nation, President Mahama said the right of return should be recognised across Africa as part of efforts to reconnect the continent with its diaspora.
“The rights of persons of African descent in the diaspora to return to the mother continent is not an act of charity or compassion. Repatriation is not an act of kindness,” he said.
“Repatriation is a right of all persons of African descent to return to the mother continent and settle or reside if they wish.”
