New research using ancient genomes confirms that syphilis originated in the Americas, not Europe, contradicting long-held beliefs. The study analyzed ancient DNA from skeletons across the Americas, tracing the disease back thousands of years. While indigenous populations had early forms, European colonization facilitated its global spread, emphasizing the role of historical events in disease transmission.
On the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognized the event as a massacre, marking a significant step in acknowledging the brutal killing of hundreds of Senegalese soldiers by French forces in 1944. However, questions remain about the exact number of victims and the full extent of French culpability, reigniting tensions between France and Senegal.
Artist Hew Locke’s latest exhibition at the British Museum, ‘What Have We Here?’, confronts the museum’s colonial past head-on, challenging viewers to grapple with the contentious history of its collection. Through a curated selection of over 150 objects, Locke reimagines the narrative, offering a perspective from the colonized, not the colonizer. This insightful exhibition, a ‘beautiful can of worms,’ explores the complexities of empire, colonialism, and restitution, prompting critical dialogue about the future of museums in a changing world.
All three candidates vying for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General have expressed their support for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism, adding momentum to the ongoing debate surrounding historical injustices. This comes as the Commonwealth, a 56-nation organization rooted in the British Empire, prepares to elect its next leader in October. The candidates’ stances highlight the evolving nature of the Commonwealth and its members’ commitment to addressing the legacies of colonialism.
Trinidad and Tobago is undergoing a symbolic shift, replacing references to European colonization on its national coat of arms. The iconic three ships of Christopher Columbus will be replaced with the steelpan, a symbol of the island’s musical heritage, reflecting a move towards celebrating its own culture and identity.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal has stated that the nation bears full responsibility for the atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, including colonial massacres. He emphasized the need for reparations and a reevaluation of Portugal’s colonial past, which is often viewed as a source of pride. The country’s trafficking of nearly 6 million Africans, more than any other European nation, remains largely unaddressed in educational institutions.
