AFRICAN leaders gathering in Ethiopia this weekend are set to launch a renewed push for slavery and colonial reparations, but face stiff resistance from former colonial powers, according to a Reuters report.
The African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa aims to develop a ‘unified vision’ for reparations, addressing past injustices through financial compensation, formal acknowledgements, and policy reforms.
‘Reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa,’ the AU’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The debate highlights the enduring impacts of colonialism and slavery, including racism, economic inequality, and Africa’s debt crisis.
Global backlash and political opposition
Despite growing momentum for reparations, many Western nations have dismissed the issue. According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump previously stated he ‘doesn’t see it happening’, while European leaders have largely opposed formal discussions.
In Portugal, which played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade, the far-right party Chega recently attempted to charge the country’s president with treason for suggesting reparations were necessary.
Meanwhile, in Britain, right-wing figure Nigel Farage warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be ‘weak’ if he engaged in discussions on the matter. French President Emmanuel Macron has also ruled out financial compensation, instead calling for ‘reconciliation.’
Reparations beyond financial compensation
Reparations advocates argue that justice goes beyond financial payments. ECOSOCC’s Head of Secretariat, William Carew, emphasised that reparations should include:
- Restitution of land taken from indigenous populations.
- Return of cultural artefacts to African nations.
- Policy changes to eliminate systemic inequalities.
- Legal action in international courts to hold former colonial powers accountable.
‘Reparations are more than just compensation. It’s about acknowledging history and creating a better future,’ Carew stated.
AU and CARICOM: a united front for justice
The AU has partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to press for reparations. CARICOM has developed a reparations roadmap, which includes:
- Technology transfers to aid African development.
- Investment in health and education to address historical injustices.
- Diplomatic pressure on global institutions to recognise colonial-era harms.
Despite decades of advocacy, progress has been slow. Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert Alfred Mavedzenge expressed concern that the AU summit might lead to symbolic discussions without meaningful action.
‘My greatest concern is that there will just be a conversation, but the resolutions will not be implemented,’ Mavedzenge warned.
As African leaders push for reparations, the political divide between former colonial powers and those demanding justice remains stark. Whether the AU can turn advocacy into action remains to be seen, but the debate is far from over.
