Recognizing Slavery as a Crime Against Humanity Implies Responsibility — But Its Legacy Still Persists: Burkinabe Experts
Recognizing Slavery as a Crime Against Humanity Implies Responsibility — But Its Legacy Still Persists: Burkinabe Experts
The history of slavery was written by the former colonial powers, who now want to avoid debate, Paul Ousmane Compaoré told Sputnik Africa.
"Africa must now tell its own story, value its archives. It must train its own researchers. For a long time, our history has been written by the powers that colonized and dominated us."
To ensure justice is served on this sensitive subject, he advocated:
teaching the history of slavery;
economic reparations;
establishing equitable relations between peoples.
While the UN has officially recognized slavery as a crime against humanity, the consequences continue to be felt across the continent, professor Idrissa Ouedraogo stressed.
"This has contributed to structuring inequalities between African states and the former colonial powers. It has led to an accumulation of wealth on one side and a lasting weakening on the other," he stated.
Such symbolic recognition, he concluded, must be followed by concrete actions, including reparations and official apologies.
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