Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has called for his country to apologize and take responsibility for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. This marks the first time that a leader of Portugal has suggested such a national apology.
During the 15th to the 19th century, Portuguese vessels kidnapped and forcibly transported 6 million Africans across the Atlantic and sold them into slavery, mainly to Brazil. However, Portugal has rarely commented on its past and little is taught about its role in slavery in schools.
At Portugal’s annual commemoration of the 1974 “Carnation” revolution, which ended the country’s dictatorship, Rebelo de Sousa spoke about going beyond just apologizing, although he did not provide specifics. He said that the country should “assume responsibility” for its past to build a better future.
Paula Cardoso, the founder of the Afrolink online platform for Black professionals in Portugal, called Rebelo de Sousa’s remarks “symbolic” but important as they brought the issue to the table. She emphasized the need for reparations and public policies to fight inequalities caused by Portugal’s past.
Rebelo de Sousa made the remarks after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was on his first visit to Europe since assuming office, addressed the Portuguese parliament. Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822.
Although Lula da Silva acknowledged positive aspects of Portugal’s colonization of Brazil, such as the spread of Portuguese language and culture, he also mentioned negative aspects such as the exploitation of Indigenous people and slavery.
Brazil’s human rights minister, Silvio Almeida, praised Rebelo de Sousa’s call for an apology and said it was an “extremely important” step. He added that recognizing the exploitation of millions of enslaved people for more than 300 years is a step towards a less unequal society.
Europe’s top human rights group previously urged Portugal to do more to confront its colonial past and role in the transatlantic slave trade to help fight racism and discrimination today.
