The calls for slavery reparations will take center stage at the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where leaders aim to renew demands for an apology and reparations from Western nations.
During the meeting, African leaders plan to define a “unified vision” for reparations, including demands for financial compensation, formal acknowledgement of past injustices, and policy reforms.
African Union initiate talks on reparations
In February 2023, the African Union (AU) adopted a resolution to pursue reparatory justice for transatlantic slavery and colonialism, reigniting debate on its implementation.
The AU outlined possible reparations, including land restitution where indigenous land was seized and the return of cultural artifacts taken during colonial rule.
Ahead of the 38th AU Summit, the AU Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) hosted a Civil Society Pre-Summit Symposium to advance discussions on the reparations agenda.
ECOSOC convened civil society, policymakers, NGOs, scholars, and youth to discuss the AU’s 2025 Theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The theme underscores the lasting effects of colonization, slavery, and systemic discrimination on global inequality and Africa’s underdevelopment.
The reparations agenda aims to correct past wrongs by addressing the lasting effects of slavery and colonization.
The agenda aims to fight racism, economic inequality, and Africa’s marginalization in global decisions, uniting Africans and the diaspora in pursuit of justice and equity.
Last year, African and Caribbean nations pushed for an international tribunal to address atrocities from the transatlantic slave trade, during which 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken and sold into slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Inspired by the Nuremberg trials, the tribunal proposal has gained traction within the slavery reparations movement, according to a Reuters report.
Mr. William Carew, Head of Secretariat at ECOSOCC, emphasized the crucial role of citizen participation in shaping the reparations agenda.
“Reparations are about more than just compensation; they represent a commitment to restoring cultural identity, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development. As citizens, we are the heartbeat of this continent. The reparations agenda must be on the lips of every African,” he said.
Reparation move meets opposition
Western leaders are pushing back against the idea of reparations for historical wrongs, despite growing global support.
US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism saying he doesn’t see reparations happening.
Many European leaders have also opposed discussing the issue, with some far-right politicians taking a hardline stance.
In Portugal, which has a history of enslaving Africans, the far-right party Chega proposed charging the president with treason for suggesting reparations might be necessary.
Similarly, in Britain, right-wing populist Nigel Farage argued that engaging in talks on reparations would be a sign of weakness.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also ruled out reparations, instead calling for “reconciliation”.
The resistance from Western leaders has raised concerns that the African Union’s push for reparations might not yield concrete results.
