African leaders to push for slavery reparations despite resistance
African leaders gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African Union (AU) summit this weekend plan to renew their call for reparations for slavery and colonialism, despite anticipated resistance from former colonial powers. Most European countries and the U.S. have dismissed the idea of making amends for historical injustices.
While the global discussion on reparations has gained momentum, it has also faced growing backlash. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly rejected reparations, and many European leaders have shown reluctance to discuss the issue.
At the AU summit, leaders aim to form a unified vision of reparations, encompassing financial compensation, formal acknowledgments of past injustices, and policy reforms. “Reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa,” the AU’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) posted on social media platform X.
The council emphasized that reparations discussions must address the ongoing legacy of slavery and colonialism, from structural racism to economic disparities between Africa and wealthier Western nations. “It is increasingly becoming impossible to not acknowledge the damage caused by slavery and colonialism,” said Alfred Mavedzenge, a Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert.
ECOSOCC also linked Africa’s debt crisis to colonial-era financial burdens and argued that climate change impacts in Africa stem from historical carbon emissions by industrialized nations.
William Carew, head of ECOSOCC’s secretariat, highlighted that reparations are about more than just monetary compensation, stating that the focus should be on building a future that acknowledges past wrongs and provides a brighter path for future generations.
The AU emphasized the need for actions such as land restitution, the return of cultural artifacts, and international accountability measures for former colonial powers. The council suggested potential diplomatic or legal measures through international courts to achieve these goals.
In 2023, the AU partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to push for reparations. CARICOM’s plan includes demands for technology transfers and investments in healthcare and education to address long-term inequalities.
Despite the ongoing push, there has been limited progress since the AU’s predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, issued its first reparations declaration 30 years ago. Jose Maria Neves, President of Cape Verde, noted that right-wing populism in Europe has stifled meaningful discussions on reparations.
In Portugal, far-right party Chega proposed charging the president with treason for suggesting reparations. In Britain, Nigel Farage criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for considering discussions on the matter, and in France, President Emmanuel Macron has rejected reparations in favor of “reconciliation.”
“My greatest concern is that there will just be a conversation at this summit but the resolutions will not be implemented,” Mavedzenge warned.
Credit: Reuters
