The 38th African Union (AU) Summit opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together heads of state to discuss pressing issues, including peace and security, economic integration, institutional reforms, and reparations for historical injustices.
This year’s summit is particularly significant as it marks the launch of the AU’s 2024 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” The initiative aims to push for financial compensation, formal acknowledgements of past wrongs, and policy reforms from former colonial powers.
A Unified Stand on Reparations
At the summit’s opening, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for greater African unity to drive sustainable development. He emphasized that Africa’s pursuit of reparations should not be misinterpreted as a plea for aid but rather as a demand for historical justice.
Outgoing AU Chair Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the president of Mauritania, handed over leadership to Angolan President João Lourenço, who pledged to focus on fiscal justice, climate funding, and debt relief during his tenure. Burundi, Ghana, and Tanzania were elected as the first, second, and third vice chairs, while Mauritania was named rapporteur.
The summit will also examine Africa’s role in global governance, particularly following the AU’s accession as a permanent member of the G20 in 2023. A report from the Committee of Ten on United Nations Security Council reform is expected to be a key discussion point.
Reparations: More Than Just Compensation
The AU’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) described reparations as the summit’s “hot topic”, stressing that historical injustices—including slavery and colonialism—continue to shape Africa’s economic struggles.
“Reparations are more than just compensation,” said ECOSOCC head William Carew. “It is about ensuring future generations inherit a world that acknowledges their past and propels them towards a brighter future.”
Calls for reparations have gained momentum globally but have also faced strong opposition, particularly from former colonial powers. British, French, and Portuguese leaders have dismissed the idea, with some European politicians arguing that reconciliation, rather than financial payments, should be the way forward.
“The growing influence of right-wing populism in Western politics has made serious discussions on reparations increasingly difficult,” noted Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves.
The AU, however, insists that reparations should also include land restitution, the return of looted cultural artifacts, and policy changes to dismantle economic inequalities. The bloc is also considering diplomatic pressure and legal action at international courts to hold former colonial powers accountable.
In 2023, the AU partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to push for reparations, aligning with CARICOM’s demands for technology transfers, investments in education, and healthcare funding.
International Solidarity and Security Concerns
The summit has also attracted global attention. UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the assembly, voicing full support for Africa’s demand for permanent representation in the UN Security Council.
“There is no excuse for Africa not having permanent representation in the UN Security Council,” Guterres stated, calling for immediate reform.
He also urged for an urgent dialogue to address the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where conflict continues to destabilise the region. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi did not attend the summit due to the ongoing crisis, sending Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka in his place.
The AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative, which aims to end armed conflicts across the continent by 2030, will be closely evaluated during the summit, with leaders expected to review progress and propose further measures.
Resistance from Former Colonial Powers
Despite Africa’s strong push for reparations, former colonial powers remain largely resistant.
- In Britain, right-wing politician Nigel Farage dismissed discussions on reparations, calling it a “weak move” for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to engage in such debates.
- In Portugal, far-right party Chega even proposed charging the president with treason for suggesting reparations.
- In France, President Emmanuel Macron rejected the idea, stating that he prefers “reconciliation over reparations.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also opposed the movement, saying he “does not see reparations happening.”
With little progress over the past three decades, some leaders worry that the AU’s current push will remain symbolic unless concrete action follows.
“My greatest concern is that there will just be a conversation at this summit, but the resolutions will not be implemented,” warned Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert Alfred Mavedzenge.
Africa’s Next Steps
The AU is expected to outline a cohesive reparations strategy that strengthens Africa’s position in diplomatic negotiations while seeking tangible commitments from former colonial states.
Beyond reparations, leaders will also discuss:
- Debt relief and economic reforms to support Africa’s financial stability.
- Climate change funding, particularly from industrialised nations, to mitigate environmental damage.
- Africa’s role in global governance, with a focus on securing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The Silencing the Guns initiative, Africa’s efforts in the G20, and strategies for sustainable development will also be high on the agenda.
With resistance from Western powers still strong, Africa’s ability to translate this debate into real progress will be the key challenge in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- The 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa has placed reparations for slavery and colonialism at the center of discussions.
- Leaders are shaping a unified vision for reparations, focusing on financial compensation, land restitution, the return of looted artifacts, and economic reforms.
- Former colonial powers remain opposed to reparations, with resistance from Britain, France, Portugal, and the U.S.
- The summit also highlights Africa’s demand for permanent representation in the UN Security Council.
- Leaders will review the Silencing the Guns initiative, Africa’s G20 membership, and debt relief measures.
Read more
Source: AU
Discover more from One Africa News Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.