After the death of Queen Elizabeth, the coronation of King Charles III in England led to widespread discontent in Africa. He’ll receive a crown at the ceremony, but unfortunately it’s studded with stolen diamonds. These diamonds were taken from Africa and India during slavery and international imperialism. In 1905, the South Africans discovered the world’s largest diamond. But unfortunately, it was given to the British two years later.
The diamond, which weighed 530 carats, was presented to the British monarchy by the country’s colonial government. Known as the Star of Africa, this stone is now inlaid in the British royal spectrum held by King Charles III at his coronation. South Africans are angry and are demanding that their diamond be returned home.
Why South Africans are demanding their due
Africans think the British want to play them. Indeed, they believe that to break this colonial relationship, the British must act by ceasing to use South African resources in their ceremonies. That said, the Africans rely on the fact that they are no longer part of the British Empire.
Some Internet users recall the history of Germany and the Shoah, where reparations were paid for the damage caused. They point out that Africans and other peoples were victims of colonization and slavery for a much longer period. However, there has been no restitution or sincere apology from the colonizing countries.
Another wealth stolen by the British
The world-famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was stolen in India. Since 1937, this 105.602-carat diamond has been one of the British Crown Jewels.
The news was fuelled on social networks, alongside coverage of the Queen’s death. Internet users express their opinions on the British Empire and the theft of the diamond. They question the hypocrisy of saying “peace be to her soul” to the Queen given the negative actions and many lives that were taken around the world when this lady was in power.
A replica of this diamond is on display in Kempton, South Africa. It’s about the size of a man’s fist. This raises questions. Why don’t the South Africans put pressure on the UK to get their diamond back? Why do they have to use photocopies to materialize the original? Could it be a lack of courage and daring? Why don’t the British have this mentality of apologizing and handing over to the South Africans what belongs to them?
African presidents invited to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III
African presidents were invited to the previous coronation of Charles III. It has to be said that no form of respect was shown. Indeed, all these African presidents were transported in the same bus to attend the coronation. By contrast, Joe Biden and the other Western presidents had their own private motorcade. This is how William Ruto came out, saying: “We won’t go on buses like schoolchildren anymore”. Sometimes we get abused because we refuse to say no to certain things. We must also behave in such a way that respect naturally follows.
In fact, Africans are not asking to remain stuck in the past, but they do want past injustices to be acknowledged and corrected. They question double standards and hope that African presidents will not be treated inferiorly at the coronation celebrations of the new King of England.
It’s clear that the British still want to have some authority over the South Africans. However, the only wish of this community is the return of their jewel in order to put an end to this unjust colonial relationship.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
