São Tomé and Príncipe demand compensation from Portugal
São Tomé and Príncipe, nestled in the Gulf of Guinea off the West African coast, have recently embarked on a significant endeavor by demanding compensation from Portugal for the historical damage inflicted during the colonial era. The islands' tumultuous past is deeply intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade, as they serve as pivotal hubs where West Africans were forcibly gathered and shipped to work on Portuguese plantations, particularly in Brazil. Despite the fertile volcanic soil that allowed for lucrative crop cultivation, the islands' history is marred by the brutality of slavery and the toll of tropical diseases on European settlers. Last week, Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa publicly acknowledged his country's responsibility for crimes committed during the slave trade and colonial era, signaling a newfound willingness to confront historical injustices. Although he didn't explicitly mention slavery, his remarks underscored the need for Por...