'The transatlantic slave trade has ended but the way rich countries relate to Africa and the global south is still exploitative.' Photo: by Matheus Viana on Unsplash
Power redressing: Ann Floyd and Lee Taylor of QAIG
‘We should not get hung up on mechanisms, but have a broad approach to making amends.’
Members of Quaker Africa Interest Group (QAIG) welcome Britain Yearly Meeting’s (BYM) resolve to build on our decision to become an anti-racist church and look at ways to make meaningful reparation for historic failings. The issues have been referred to BYM trustees, to Meeting for Sufferings, and to Area Meetings for discussion and action.
QAIG wants to participate in these discussions. We have stories and case studies, experience, and routes for practical reparations, which are closely linked with Quaker work on climate justice (we prefer to say ‘redressing inequalities’: we cannot be responsible for what past generations have done).
QAIG’s approach to these complex issues is to recognise that, firstly, injustice is not only historic but ongoing. The transatlantic slave trade has ended but the way rich countries relate to Africa and the global south is still exploitative – poor countries suffer most from climate change that rich countries have caused, and are unwilling to compensate for. Secondly, this is about redressing inequalities and loss and damage, not reparations. We should aim to redress inequalities, rather than trying to identify who is owed compensation for injustices, and how much. We should not get hung up on mechanisms, but have a broad approach to making amends for loss and damage caused. Third, we must work in partnership. When planning the way forward to redress inequalities, it is crucial that we listen to those most affected, and work in partnership (in QAIG’s case, with African people) to avoid the continuation of colonialist practices and attitudes.
The projects supported by QAIG members are long-term, faithful ways to redress inequalities. Our work is in the present, while respecting the past. We work in partnership with African people, including Quakers. As a network we continue working through issues about our own attitudes, authentic partnership, and language and imagery.
QAIG has much experience on the ground. We work in a range of areas: education at all levels, peacebuilding, health, agriculture, sustainability and capacity development. We and our partners have stories to tell of what has worked and what hasn’t, how vital relationships have been built, and where those concerned think funds have been wisely spent.
We are still learning how to work together; this journey continues. We also want to work with others in BYM including Quaker Peace & Social Witness, Quaker World Relations Committee, Woodbrooke, and with Friends World Committee for Consultation.
QAIG offers some practical ways forward. We can create opportunities for partnership by hosting ‘round table’ discussions with partners in Africa to hear their ideas about how Meetings might help to redress inequalities. We can also can share a multitude of stories about building partnerships and working relationships in Africa.
QAIG welcomes Friends who want to share in work already underway. See www.quakerafricainterest.org.uk.
Ann and Lee are co-clerks to QAIG.
