Why The La Amistad Ship Rebellion Was The Greatest Victory That Ever Happened To Africa?
By Samson Ogaye
After the kidnapping of the Mende tribe leader from Sierra Leone by slave traders, and ferried by the La Amistad Ship, Cinque, who was a slave trader came to the rescue of his fellow slaves’ persons. He used a file to unzip himself and others taking control over the La Amistad Ship assassinating its captain. The slaves wanted back to Africa but that did not happen. The ship crew blackmailed and sailed them towards the north-eastern United States.
The Aftermath of the Amistad rebellion was the passing of legislation by the United States Congress to abolish the slave trade. It was after more 200 years of slavery from the 16th to the 19th century, which saw more than 12 million Africans moved from their native homes sold to different parts of the globe. The encounter also leads to the deaths of more than 1.5 million Africans who were not strong enough to reach their new destination.
After the move by the Congress, many Europeans countries followed in the same suite passing restriction on human trafficking. Nonetheless, it was just a Press release move in some of the countries, where the slave trade was still going on behind the scenes. Traders as Don Pedro. Ruiz as well s Don Jose Ruiz did not play by the slave trade rules. Even with the restrictions, the group from the Mende Leaders previously kidnapped were ferried to Havana Cuba in the same La Amistad ship under the cover of native Cubans residents.
The seizing of the ship in the North-eastern United States border in 1839 saw African Slaves charged with first-degree murder for the assassination of the ship’s captain. Future president John Quincy represented the slaves in court, and after a tough battle, the judge found them not guilty and gave them their freedom. It was the start to an end of the slave trade error; however, it took some while for the acknowledgement and the release of the slaves from prison. Unfortunately, some succumbed to death, but luckily, Cinque was part of the crew that jetted back to Africa bringing some light at the end of the tunnel.
Africa Global News Publication
