Descendants of Slaves in Suriname Accept Apology from the King of the Netherlands

The descendants of African slaves and indigenous peoples in Suriname accepted the apologies given in 2023 by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands for slavery in this former Dutch colony during a closed ceremony reported by Suriname's Communication Services (CDS).

"We accept the apologies and the request for forgiveness, fully believing that the king, with a clear conscience, wishes to cooperate in healing and restoration," stated Wilgo Ommen, a representative of the indigenous communities.

The Netherlands officially apologized for slavery through former Prime Minister Mark Rutte in December 2022, and in 2023, the king also extended his apologies.

During a private meeting, members of the royal family engaged with Suriname's President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and traditional authorities. On behalf of the king, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel announced a fund of 66 million euros for social projects benefiting descendants of slaves and indigenous peoples.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima arrived in Paramaribo on Sunday for a three-day visit to Suriname, which celebrated its 50th independence anniversary on November 25. "This is the first visit by the royal family in over four decades," according to a statement released on Sunday.

A small country in northern South America, Suriname has been plagued by rebellions and coups since its independence in 1975 and has recently discovered significant offshore oil reserves.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 1982 during the military regime of former dictator Desi Bouterse. They were restored with the democratic government in 1988, but again broken during Bouterse's presidency from 2010 to 2020, the party of which, the National Democratic Party (NDP), is now led by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons.

"During our visit, we will not shy away from history or its painful elements, such as slavery. I am aware of the importance of this issue for the descendants of enslaved people and for indigenous communities. We are eager to engage in dialogue with them," the king stated in the morning.