UK Faces Backlash from African Workers Over Opposition to Slavery Reparations

The United Kingdom has come under criticism from African workers following its stance on slavery reparations, with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) condemning comments by Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch opposing a United Nations resolution.

In a strongly worded open letter, the organisation accused the UK of failing to confront the enduring economic and social consequences of slavery and colonialism on Africa.

The letter, signed in Lomé, Togo, by ITUC-Africa General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie on behalf of 18 million workers, called on Britain to show leadership in addressing historical injustices through restitution.

“We write to you as African workers… to express our deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of your recent position opposing the United Nations resolution on slavery and reparations,” the letter read.

“Your argument—that the United Kingdom should have voted against the resolution… because it ‘led the fight to end slavery’—reflects a selective reading of history that fails to acknowledge the full continuum of exploitation that has shaped the relationship between Britain and Africa.”

The group acknowledged Britain’s contribution to ending the transatlantic slave trade but insisted that exploitation continued during colonial rule.

According to ITUC-Africa, Africa’s land, labour, and resources were extensively exploited, creating structural inequalities that remain evident today.

It added that modern economic systems still reflect these imbalances through what it described as neo-colonial practices, including unfair trade deals, debt dependency, and limited African influence in global decision-making.

“These realities are not abstract; they translate into precarious work, suppressed wages, weakened public systems, and limited opportunities for millions of African workers,” the statement noted.

The organisation described arguments against reparations on the basis of taxpayer burden as “troubling and regrettable,” stressing that reparations are rooted in moral responsibility.

“Reparations are not about punishment—they are about acknowledgement, repair, and transformation. They constitute a moral imperative for addressing historical injustices and their present-day consequences.”

It also criticised the UK’s abstention from the UN vote, describing it as inconsistent with its human rights commitments.

“If the United Kingdom played a role in ending slavery, then it should have been among the first to proudly support a resolution aimed at ensuring that such crimes against humanity are never repeated,” the letter added.

ITUC-Africa concluded by urging recognition of historical injustices, stressing that while the past cannot be undone, its consequences must be addressed to achieve true justice and equality.

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