African countries stand united on year of reparations charge
African countries stand united on year of reparations charge
African countries stand united on year of reparations charge
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
As Africa Day 2025 is marked across the continent and in the diaspora, leaders and institutions have rallied in support of the African Union’s declared theme for the year: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
The commemoration has drawn renewed calls for global accountability, restitution, and a united African front to address the historic injustices of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonial exploitation.
In a stirring address on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC), Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized Africa’s resolve to secure justice for past wrongs while building a continent anchored in prosperity and unity.
“Justice and reparations remain long overdue,” he said, adding that while Africa honours its painful history, it will not be held hostage by it. “The continent continues to sacrifice and strive towards freedom from conflict, underdevelopment, and war.”
Youssouf underscored Africa’s strategic assets—including a youthful and growing population, vast natural resources, and renewable energy potential—as key drivers of a transformative future. With Africa’s population expected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, he described the continent not just as the future but as “the engine of global transformation.”
The Chairperson also celebrated Africa’s rising voice in global affairs, citing its inclusion in the G20 as overdue recognition of its global significance. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding resources and pursuing value addition through continental initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Let us take rightful ownership of our future on the global stage,” Youssouf urged. “Pan-Africanism was built not only on our dreams but on strategic foresight. Let us honour that legacy with bold, united action.”
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who serves as the African Union’s Champion for Reparations, echoed the AU’s theme in his own address, expressing deep commitment to the cause.
He described the lingering impact of historical injustices as a shadow that continues to impede progress across Africa and among its diaspora. “Reparations are not merely about financial compensation,” he stated. “They are about acknowledging the profound and enduring damage inflicted upon our people.”
President Mahama proposed a broad reparative framework that includes official apologies from former colonial powers, debt relief, restitution of looted cultural artifacts, and increased investment in African education and development. He emphasized that dismantling exploitative trade systems and addressing crushing debt burdens are vital components of the justice Africans seek.
He called on African leaders, civil society, and the diaspora to forge a united front: “Let Africa Day 2025 be a turning point. Let the pursuit of reparations be a testament to our resilience and belief in a brighter future.”
UNESCO also reaffirmed its solidarity with the African Union’s agenda. Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, the Director and UNESCO Representative, announced the launch of a high-level roundtable later this year themed “Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: African Liberation Movements and the Relevance of Pan-Africanism Today.” She described the initiative as a platform for policy exchange and action, not mere symbolism.
Meanwhile, H.E. Amb. Hadera Abera, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that reparatory justice goes beyond redressing past wrongs. “It is about affirming the dignity of our people and shaping a future rooted in fairness and accountability,” she said.
Ambassador Abera called for deeper bonds between Africa and its diaspora to push for global recognition and restitution. She also pointed to the role of youth and digital innovation as critical to Africa’s future and urged investments in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and big data.
She concluded by pledging Ethiopia’s unwavering support for Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and self-reliant continent.
As Africa reflects on its past and boldly charts its future, the call for reparations in 2025 signals not just a demand for justice—but a united step toward reclaiming agency, dignity, and destiny.
