African Leaders Push for Reparations at AU Summit

African leaders convening in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are intensifying their call for reparations for slavery and colonialism during the African Union (AU) summit, TRTWorld reported. This initiative comes on the heels of a partnership with the Caribbean community, CARICOM, which has outlined its own reparation plan, demanding technology transfers and investments to address health crises and illiteracy.

Despite growing momentum for reparations globally, many former colonial powers remain resistant. US President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of reparations, and leaders in Europe have largely opposed discussions on the matter.

The AU aims to create a “unified vision” for reparations, which could include financial compensation, formal acknowledgments of historical wrongs, and necessary policy reforms. Advocates stress that the reparations debate must address the ongoing impacts of colonialism and slavery, including economic disparities and systemic racism.

Zimbabwean lawyer Alfred Mavedzenge emphasized the need to recognize the damage caused by these historical injustices. The AU’s economic, social, and cultural council (ECOSOCC) argues that reparations should encompass more than just financial payments, advocating for land restitution and the return of cultural artifacts. The AU also calls for international accountability, suggesting diplomatic pressure and potential legal actions against former colonial powers.