Former colonial countries, the majority of which have rejected making apologies for past wrongs, are expected to thwart African leaders’ efforts to start a fresh campaign for slavery and colonial reparations when they gather in Ethiopia this weekend.
The opposition has increased along with the global momentum behind the reparations issue. Many European governments have objected to the discussion of reparations, and U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he “doesn’t see it (reparations) happening”
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Leaders of the African Union intend to develop a “unified vision” of reparations during the Addis Ababa summit, which may include anything from monetary compensation and official admission of historical wrongs to policy changes.
ECOSOCC, the AU’s economic, social, and cultural council, said on X (formerly known as Twitter) that “reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa.”
At least 12.5 million Africans were abducted, forcefully transported, and sold into slavery by mostly European traders between the 15th and 19th centuries.
According to ECOSOCC, which has been advising member states on the subject, the reparations discussion must cover the effects of colonialism and slavery to this day, ranging from racism to the financial disparities between affluent Western countries and Africa.
Alfred Mavedzenge, a Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations specialist, stated that “it is increasingly becoming impossible to not acknowledge the damage caused by slavery and colonialism.”
The primary reason for the continent’s debt crisis after independence is the enormous debt loads owed by African nations. Colonialism and climate change are related. Although Africa contributes very little to carbon emissions, its delicate ecosystems have been worst hit by global warming.
Financial payments have dominated most of the reparations discussion, especially in former colonial powers like Portugal and Britain, but proponents argue that there are other ways to make up for the past.
According to William Carew, chairman of the secretariat for ECOSOCC, “reparations are more than just compensation.” Adding, “It is about… ensuring future generations inherit a world that acknowledges their past and propels them towards a brighter future.”
In a statement, the AU stated that reparations for Africa may include returning cultural artifacts and restoration of land in nations where indigenous communities had lost their land. It also emphasized how international organizations like the UN must hold former colonial nations accountable and modify policies that support inequality.
AU stated, “This might involve diplomatic pressure or legal actions at international courts.”
To seek compensation, the AU teamed up with CARICOM, the Caribbean community, in 2023. Among other things, CARICOM’s own reparations plan calls for investments and technology transfers to address illiteracy and health concerns.
However, not much has changed in the thirty years since the Organization of African Unity, the precursor of the AU, declared that reparations were necessary.
The president of the African island country of Cape Verde, Jose Maria Neves, has stated that it is challenging to have a meaningful discussion on the matter because of right-wing populism and its effect on moderate politics.
In Portugal, the country that enslaved more Africans than any other, the far-right party Chega suggested accusing the president of treason for implying that reparations could be necessary.
Nigel Farage, a right-wing populist in Britain, claimed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be “weak” if he held discussions on the subject. President Emmanuel Macron of France, where the far-right is growing, has rejected reparations in favor of “reconciliation.”
Mavedzenge stated, “My greatest concern is that there will just be a conversation at this (AU) summit, but the resolutions will not be implemented.”
