Renowned Diplomat Urges Africans Not to Allow Slave Trade to Divide Them

Amb. Prof. Dean Roberts Jnr., a renowned diplomat, has urged Africans worldwide to unite and build a common future, rather than allowing the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to perpetuate divisions on the continent. Addressing attendees at the Ibiaku Clan Development Association family retreat in Uyo, AkwaIbom State, Nigeria, Roberts emphasized the importance of Africans recognizing themselves as one family and working towards a united nation.

He made this call amidst the backdrop of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, which Ghana's President described as the "gravest crime against humanity." Roberts noted that the history of slavery should be remembered not just as a period of suffering but as a lesson on the dangers of division. He highlighted that the adoption of a resolution regarding the slave trade saw 123 out of 178 member countries vote in favor, while three voted against and 52 abstained.

The resolution's adoption coincided with President Mahama's strong condemnation of the slave trade and his call for the international community to acknowledge the atrocities committed against Africans. Roberts pointed out that the slave trade deliberately exploited divisions among African communities, using a strategy of "divide, conquer and export" to remove valuable human capital from the continent.

This exploitation led to the separation of families, loss of identities and names, and the weakening of traditional clans and communities. He stressed that the painful history should strengthen, rather than weaken, the bonds among Africans and people of African descent globally. Roberts urged Africans to reclaim their history, identity, and heritage, using them as a foundation for development and unity.

He pledged to continue promoting the name and heritage of Ibiaku at international platforms, emphasizing the need for collective commitment and cooperation from Ibiaku's citizens, both at home and abroad.