Dutch Government Set to Create Apology Fund for Its Involvement in Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

• The Dutch government plans to create an apology fund to raise awareness about slavery and apologise for its involvement
• Trans-Atlantic slavery occurred in country's such as Suriname, Brazil, the Caribbean, South Africa, and Asia
• While the fund has not officially been introduced, it is believed it will come into effect after the Dutch government apologises

AMSTERDAM - The Dutch government plans to make history by creating a fund to raise awareness about slavery. The country has also apologised for its role in trans-Atlantic slavery in Suriname, Brazil, the Caribbean, South Africa, and Asia.

While the fund has not officially been introduced, it is believed it will come into effect after the Dutch government apologises by the end of the year. According to TimesLIVE, sources close to the matter believe that at least €200 million (R3.47 billion) will be donated to the fund.

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Amsterdam’s mayor apologised for the city’s part in slavery last year; earlier this year, state-run ABN Amro Bank NV and the Dutch Central Bank did the same.

The bank’s predecessor Hope & Co. was involved in the day-to-day business at the plantations, while another Mees en Zoonen brokered insurance for slave ships.

European Central Bank Governing Council member and President of the bank Klaas Knot apologised to the descendants of enslaved people. He also set up a fund to finance projects worth €5 million for the next 10 years.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will discuss the history of slavery in the country. According to News24, he said a significant moment is expected to occur at the end of the year.

Social media users react to the fund:

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@monday_flyhalf said:

“The sad truth is no one will ever be satisfied by the amount.”

@rachidi_monare commented:

“So, the Dutch will pay themselves to share their own experiences with slavery.”

@ZoobanSingh added:

“Yes, under the direction of its monarch. Not unlike the British East India Company did across most of Southeast Asia.”

Queen’s death ignites debate over Africa’s colonial past

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported From Kenya and Nigeria to South Africa and Uganda, Queen Elizabeth’s death met with an outpouring of official condolences, mourning and memories of her frequent visits to Africa during her seven decades on the throne.

But the British monarch’s passing also revived a sensitive debate over Africa’s colonial past. Her death came at a time when European countries are under pressure to reckon with their colonial histories, atoning for past crimes and returning stolen African artefacts held for years in museums from London and Paris.

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Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta were among those expressing condolences for the loss of an “icon.”

Source: Briefly News