These include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas and Papua New Guinea.
Kigali: Britain's Prince Charles expressed deep sorrow over slavery in a speech to Commonwealth leaders in Rwanda on Friday, acknowledging that the organization has its roots in a painful period of history, pointing to the slave trade and colonialism.
The Commonwealth, a club of 54 countries, most of which are former British colonies, comprises about a third of humanity and presents itself as a network of equal partners with shared goals such as democracy, peace and prosperity.
Charles told the assembled Commonwealth leaders at the opening ceremony of the two-day summit, "As we strive together for peace, prosperity and democracy, I want to acknowledge that the roots of our contemporary union are one of the most painful in our history." are in the round." in Kigali.
"I cannot describe the depth of my personal grief over the suffering of so many people as I continue to deepen my understanding of the lasting effects of slavery."
Rooted in the British Empire, the Commonwealth was not previously associated publicly with colonialism or the legacy of slavery, but there are increasing calls, especially from Caribbean member states, to do so.
Charles said, "If we are to create a shared future that benefits all our citizens, we too must find new ways to acknowledge our past. Quite simply, it is a conversation whose time has come."
He was representing his mother, Queen Elizabeth, at the summit, who has been the head of the Commonwealth since the beginning of her reign in 1952. According to a decision by Commonwealth leaders made in 2018, some Caribbean nations are now contesting elections. ,
In his speech, Charles also acknowledged the growing Republican sentiment in some of the 15 Commonwealth countries that currently have the Queen as head of state. These include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas and Papua New Guinea. (Reuters)