African leaders are set to renew their call for reparations for slavery and colonialism at the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Despite growing international debate on the issue, former colonial powers continue to resist demands for financial compensation, formal apologies, and policy reforms aimed at addressing historical injustices. The AU’s economic, social, and cultural council (ECOSOCC) has declared reparations the central topic of discussion at the summit, seeking to establish a unified strategy to hold former colonial rulers accountable.
The push for reparations is rooted in centuries of exploitation, with at least 12.5 million Africans kidnapped, transported, and sold into slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries. The lingering effects of this brutal history continue to shape Africa’s economic struggles and global inequalities. ECOSOCC has emphasized that reparations must go beyond monetary compensation, addressing the broader consequences of colonialism, including systemic racism, economic disparities, and environmental damage.
Despite the increasing global recognition of the lasting impact of slavery and colonialism, Western nations have largely dismissed calls for reparations. Former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the idea outright, stating, “I don’t see it happening,” while European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have refused to engage in discussions on the subject. Portugal, which was responsible for enslaving more Africans than any other country, has witnessed fierce political opposition to the mere suggestion of reparations, with the far-right Chega party proposing treason charges against officials who entertain the idea.
For African nations, reparations are not just about financial compensation but about acknowledging historical injustices and reversing the damage caused by centuries of exploitation. Alfred Mavedzenge, a Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert, argues that Africa’s current debt crisis can be traced back to colonial economic structures that left newly independent states burdened with unsustainable financial obligations. He also highlights the environmental impact of colonial-era policies, noting that while Africa contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate change.
The AU’s approach to reparations includes land restitution in cases where indigenous populations were displaced, the return of looted cultural artifacts, and international legal action to compel former colonial powers to recognize their historical responsibilities. In 2023, the AU partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to push for reparations on a global scale. CARICOM’s reparation plan includes demands for technology transfers, healthcare investments, and educational programs to address the long-term effects of slavery and colonialism.
However, African leaders acknowledge that achieving concrete results remains a daunting challenge. Despite repeated calls for reparations over the past three decades, progress has been minimal. Cape Verde’s President Jose Maria Neves has expressed concerns that rising right-wing populism in Europe and the Americas has made it nearly impossible to have a serious discussion on the matter. The fear is that the AU summit will generate resolutions that fail to translate into meaningful action.
International human rights organizations argue that ignoring Africa’s demands for reparations only deepens global inequalities. As African leaders prepare to finalize their strategies in Addis Ababa, they face the challenge of overcoming political resistance and ensuring that their calls for justice are not dismissed once again. The outcome of this summit will test the AU’s ability to turn diplomatic pressure into tangible policy changes on the global stage.
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