The 38th African Union Summit is set to take place in Addis Ababa from February 14 to 16, 2025. This year’s summit will focus on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” underscoring the urgent need for reparatory justice and racial healing across the continent.
This year, African leaders face significant challenges as they gather to identify and implement strategies that will address the historical injustices stemming from the colonial era. The scars of colonialism run deep, and calls for justice and reparation from former colonizers remain a pressing issue. While some former colonial powers have made gestures toward reconciliation, much work remains to be done. It may key topics on the agenda include financial reparations, historical acknowledgment, cultural preservation, and more.
In a significant development, a coalition of European countries has committed to a comprehensive reparations package for their former African colonies after years of negotiations. This agreement includes financial compensation, debt forgiveness measures, and technology transfer agreements aimed at bolstering Africa’s economic growth and sustainability. Additionally, there is a pledge to return cultural artifacts taken during colonial rule a move that many see as essential for healing and recognition.
A 2022 report by Deutsche Welle (DW) highlighted Germany’s commitment to pay Namibia €1.1 billion (approximately $1.3 billion) in reparations for the genocide committed during its colonial occupation. This acknowledgment comes after years of Germany’s reluctance to accept responsibility. In 2016, Berlin indicated its willingness to apologize, marking a pivotal moment in its relationship with Namibia.
Germany has also taken steps to return some stolen artifacts, including the recent return of cultural items to Nigeria. Furthermore, Belgium made headlines by returning the remains of Patrice Lumumba, a prominent figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s independence movement, to his family for proper burial a significant gesture in the context of colonial history.
Despite these advances, the debate surrounding the implementation of reparations remains contentious. Many argue that the pace of restitution is too slow and that deeper, systemic changes are necessary to rectify historical wrongs.
As the AU Summit approaches, expectations are high that tangible outcomes will emerge from discussions on reparations and justice. The leaders of the continent will be tasked with not only addressing the historical grievances but also laying the groundwork for a more equitable future. The summit represents a crucial opportunity for African nations to unite in their quest for justice and recognition, aiming to heal the wounds of the past while forging a path toward sustainable development and empowerment.
In an interview with ENA, Desta Meghoo, a reparations expert at the Diaspora Africa Forum, stressed the necessity for Africans to come together under a cohesive policy and legal framework to effectively address the lasting damages inflicted upon the continent. She emphasized the importance of a unified African voice in securing justice and restitution for the enduring scars of slavery and colonialism.
Reflecting on her personal history, Meghoo shared, “My ancestors were ripped from the shores of West Africa and taken to Jamaica.” She underscored the significance of reparations, stating, “For us, this issue is relevant and important. We have been fighting for many decades, if not over a century.”
Meghoo believes that the reparations initiative has the potential to unite both Africa and the diaspora, as the repercussions of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism have profoundly affected both groups. She noted that while Ethiopia was never colonized, it has still felt the impacts of colonial policies. “These policies continue to affect Ethiopia today,” she explained, advocating for Ethiopia to lead by example in supporting the African Union’s reparations initiatives.
Highlighting the importance of Ethiopia’s leadership, Meghoo also called for unified continental policies regarding the return of artifacts, rather than fragmented national approaches. “Whether these items were taken during the transatlantic slave trade or in conflicts like those at Adwa, we must unite in solidarity to create robust policies for their return,” she stated.
While recognizing the efforts of West African nations, particularly Ghana, in advocating for the return of stolen artifacts, Meghoo expressed hope that these initiatives would be coordinated through a continental framework established by the AU. She firmly believes that there should not be separate policies for each country, such as Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria.
To achieve meaningful reparations, Meghoo outlined a two-pronged strategy: first, fostering government-to-government engagement to negotiate policies and laws through the AU, and second, raising public awareness to support these efforts.
Beyoned discussions around reparations and historical acknowledgment from former colonizers intensify, many African voices are emphasizing that the continent’s needs extend beyond these measures. A critical component of Africa’s future is the urgent requirement for strong and uncorrupted leadership.
In particular, the youth of Africa face daunting challenges due to unfavourable political climates in their respective countries, often leading them to undertake perilous migrations in search of better opportunities. Many young people are questioning the effectiveness of their governments in ensuring democracy and facilitating peaceful transitions of power.
The on-going conflicts and instability across various regions have left citizens tired of the nonstop sounds of gunfire and violence. This climate of unrest has sparked a collective yearning for leaders who can create a conducive environment for peace, stability, and economic opportunity.
Citizens across the continent are demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders, seeking governance that prioritizes the welfare of the populace rather than personal or political gain. There is a growing consensus that effective leadership is essential not only for addressing historical injustices but also for laying the groundwork for a prosperous and peaceful future.
The desire for change is palpable; many Africans are tired of governance that fails to deliver on promises of democracy, development, and safety. They want leaders who will actively work to cultivate an atmosphere where they can thrive where education, employment, and security are accessible to all.
Overall, while reparations and historical acknowledgment are crucial steps in addressing the injustices of the past, the present and future of Africa depend heavily on the emergence of strong, ethical leadership. The youth, in particular, are looking for leaders who can inspire hope and foster an environment where peace and opportunity flourish.
