Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - A sociological survey conducted by the Pan-African Progressive Front across all regions of Africa has revealed that the majority of Africans (70.3%) support the idea of demanding reparations from former colonial powers. The survey, which involved 1,861 people from 57 African countries, found that respondents are seeking compensation for historical injustices stemming from the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.
The survey identified five key areas where reparations are being sought:
1. Direct Financial Compensation: Remittances from former colonial powers to African states and descendants of victims.
2. Return of Cultural Heritage: Tens of thousands of artifacts, sculptures, jewelry, and religious objects stolen from Africa are now stored in museums in Europe and America.
3. Debt Write-off: Liquidation of Africa's external debt obligations as a legacy of the colonial economic system.
4. Institutional Reforms: Changing unfair rules of international organizations (IMF, World Bank, WTO, etc.) that are unfair to developing countries in the Global South.
5. Strategic Development Investments*l: Funding specific projects in health, education, infrastructure, and technology.
France, England, and Portugal were among the countries identified as being most likely to be liable for reparations. The survey also found that over 20% of respondents are unaware of the reparations initiative, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education.
The Pan-African Progressive Front is calling for the creation of a unified reparations justice fund and the introduction of tariffs on goods and transactions of companies from colonizing countries to ensure a systematic payment of reparations.
The survey's findings underscore the deep-seated desire for acknowledgment and redress for the historical injustices perpetrated against Africa and its people. As the global community grapples with its dark past, the call for reparations poses a fundamental question about how to confront and make amends for centuries of exploitation and oppression.
