African Union explores Chagos-style legal strategy to push former colonial powers into slavery reparations talks….reports Asian Lite News
African nations are preparing a legal campaign inspired by the Chagos Islands case to seek slavery reparations from Britain and other former colonial powers, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The newspaper reported that members of the African Union are considering taking their case to international courts, arguing that the transatlantic slave trade should be recognised as a crime against humanity. Lawyers are reportedly drawing up plans to pursue a ruling from the International Court of Justice, hoping to replicate the legal strategy used in the Chagos Islands dispute.
According to The Telegraph, advisers working with the African Union believe the same legal approach that forced Britain to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands could be used to push former colonial powers into negotiations over reparations.
The report noted that the government of Keir Starmer agreed to a £30 billion deal transferring the territory to Mauritiusn after judges in The Hague ruled that Britain was “under an obligation” to end its administration of the archipelago.
A source cited by The Telegraph said the Chagos ruling had been “very successful” for Africa. The source was quoted as saying: “The UK has been very vocal about its commitment to international law in this instance. That is something the continent really appreciates. We believe it might also be standardised.”
The source added, as quoted by the newspaper: “If you accept that level [the Chagos opinion], then what international law says about recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity must also be recognised.”
According to The Telegraph, officials discussed the plans in Lusaka, where African Union insiders were quietly laying the groundwork for a continent-wide push seeking reparations for slavery and the often violent period of colonial rule.
The campaign is expected to target former colonial powers including France, Spain, Portugal and United Kingdom.
In 2024, Keir Starmer had signalled that his government does not intend to prioritise reparations discussions. Speaking ahead of the Commonwealth summit, he said he wanted to focus on present challenges rather than historic compensation claims.
“Slavery is abhorrent … there’s no question about that,” Starmer said, adding that he would rather “look forward rather than looking backwards” and focus on issues such as climate change and economic cooperation with Commonwealth partners.
Despite this stance, pressure is expected to continue from the Caribbean Community and African nations, which have been campaigning for reparatory justice over slavery and colonial exploitation. Campaigners say potential settlements could include debt relief, development funding, economic partnerships and formal apologies from former colonial powers including France, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
