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Commonwealth chooses Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as brand-new secretary-general

Commonwealth members selected Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as secretarygeneral of the 56nation club headed by Britain's King Charles, the Commonwealth said on Saturday, the final day of a top in Samoa participated in by Charles and Queen Camilla.

Representatives of the nations, most with roots in Britain's empire, are going to the Commonwealth Heads of Federal government Meeting that began in the Pacific Island nation on Monday, with slavery and the hazard of environment modification emerging as major styles.

Today at #CHOGM 2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have chosen the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, presently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Combination of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth said on X.

Botchwey, a supporter of reparations for transatlantic slavery and manifest destiny, takes over from Britain's Patricia Scotland, who has actually been in the task because 2016.

Earlier on Saturday, Britain's king and queen flew out of Samoa, after a see in which the monarch acknowledged the Commonwealth's agonizing history, in the middle of a push for previous colonial powers to pay reparations for their role in transatlantic slavery.

Charles and Camilla left Samoa about 12 p.m. regional time on a. Royal Australia Flying force jet, waving farewell as they boarded. the aircraft at Apia's Faleolo International Airport.

Before leaving, the royal set participated in a goodbye event. at the village of Siumu, which took place in heavy rain.

Charles on Friday stated in a speech to the top that he. comprehended from listening to people throughout the Commonwealth how. the most unpleasant elements of our previous continue to resonate.

It is crucial, therefore, that we understand our history, to. guide us towards making the right options in future, he said.

The push for ex-colonial powers such as Britain to pay. reparations or make other amends for slavery and its traditions. today has actually gotten momentum worldwide, especially among the. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.

Those opposed to reparations say nations need to not be. held responsible for historic wrongs, while those in support. state the tradition of slavery has led to large and consistent racial. inequality.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is at the top,. has actually rejected calls for reparations and eliminated apologising for. the nation's historical role.

The King and Queen's time in Samoa followed a six-day trip. of Australia, where a large crowd turned out to see the royal. couple at the Sydney Opera House. Charles likewise consulted with. Native elders in Sydney, after being heckled by an. Indigenous senator in Canberra.

(source: Reuters)