Cleric petitions Trump over slave trade
African slavery in the past has been described as a heinous crime against the Black and humanity. A cleric, Dr Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor, has as a result, petitioned United States of
African slavery in the past has been described as a heinous crime against the Black and humanity.
A cleric, Dr Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor, has as a result, petitioned United States of America President Donald Trump to initiate a global reparation process for Africa over the transatlantic slave trade.
The petitioner is the founder of Universal Prayer Fellowship Worldwide.
The petition was equally addressed to the Chairman, Board of Peace at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Ezenwafor described the centuries-long slave trade as a “heinous crime against humanity, whose consequences have continued to affect African societies.’’
He said the time had come for Western nations that benefited from the trade to acknowledge their historical roles and support a structured programme of restitution and development for affected communities in Africa.
The cleric added that the transatlantic slave trade, which began from the late 15th to the 19th century, led to the shipment of millions of Africans to Europe and the Americas.
According to him, “the trade depleted the continent’s workforce, disrupted traditional social systems and contributed to long-term poverty and instability across West and Central Africa.
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“The demand for enslaved Africans by European powers, including Portugal, Spain, Britain, France and the Netherlands, triggered widespread violence, raids and kidnappings, which destroyed many communities and cultural institutions.
“The legacy of slavery and colonialism played a major role in shaping global economic inequalities and the development gap between Africa and Western nations.’’
Ezenwafor highlighted psychological and cultural effects, including loss of identity and self-worth among affected populations.
He, therefore, urged the U.S. government, given its global leadership role, to convene an international conference on reparations.
He said: “Such a forum will bring together countries historically linked to the slave trade to assess their responsibilities and make voluntary contributions to a global reparations fund.’’
He proposed that the fund should be managed by an independent international board responsible for implementing projects in affected African communities.
“These projects should focus on infrastructure, education, economic empowerment and cultural restoration.
“The reparations process can be structured over a long period to ensure sustainable funding and accountability.’’
He said contractors and supervisors of projects should operate independently of local governments, to minimise corruption and ensure transparency.
Ezenwafor hoped such measures would help heal historical wounds, restore dignity and improve living conditions in Africa.
He linked the issue to migration, saying development driven by reparations could reduce irregular migration from Africa to Western countries.
