Robin Davis
Dutch King Willem-Alexander has formally apologised for the Netherlands’ involvement in slavery, saying he felt “personally and intensely” affected.
The king was speaking at a ceremony on Saturday marking the 160th anniversary of the legal abolition of slavery in the Netherlands, including its former colonies in the Caribbean.
“I’m standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologising myself,” Willem-Alexander said. “On this day we remember the Dutch history of slavery, I ask forgiveness for this crime against humanity.”
He said racism in Dutch society remains a problem and not everyone would support his apology.
Al Jazeera’s Mmalegabe Motsepe report.
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