At the 2025 African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African leaders have intensified their calls for reparations for the legacies of slavery and colonialism. The discussions, which have become a focal point of the summit, seek to address the lasting impacts of colonial exploitation on Africa’s political, economic, and social systems. Despite the growing momentum behind the reparations movement, many former colonial powers, including leaders in the U.S. and Europe, continue to resist these demands.
The summit serves as a crucial platform for AU leaders to unite around a comprehensive approach to reparations. Key proposals discussed include financial compensation, formal public acknowledgments of historical injustices, and policy reforms aimed at reducing the socio-economic inequalities rooted in colonialism. “Reparations is the hot topic,” said the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), reflecting the increasing urgency among African nations to address the historical wrongs they claim to have suffered.
Experts argue that Africa’s enduring struggles with poverty, economic instability, and vulnerability to climate change are deeply tied to the exploitation and extraction of resources during the colonial period. While financial compensation is central to the reparations movement, it is not seen as the sole solution. African leaders and advocates are also calling for land restitution, the return of cultural artifacts stolen during the colonial era, and the reform of policies that continue to perpetuate inequality.
In addition to the AU’s efforts, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has joined in the push for reparations, using both diplomatic channels and legal avenues to pursue accountability from former colonial powers. The joint efforts between Africa and the Caribbean reflect a broader, global initiative to right the historical wrongs of colonization and slavery.
However, these calls for reparations face significant resistance. European nations, including Portugal, Britain, and France, have largely rejected the idea of paying reparations, with political leaders in these countries dismissing the claims as too divisive or impractical. Right-wing political opposition in Europe has further complicated discussions, arguing that reparations are not feasible or justified.
Despite these challenges, the African Union remains resolute in its push for reparations, viewing the movement as a crucial step in addressing the historical injustices that continue to affect millions across the African continent. The AU’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to foster unity, economic development, and social equity across Africa and its diaspora.
As diplomatic efforts continue, African leaders remain hopeful that the ongoing dialogue will eventually lead to meaningful change and acknowledgment of the harms caused by centuries of colonial exploitation. The road to reparations remains long and contentious, but the AU’s renewed commitment underscores the continent’s determination to seek justice for the generations impacted by the legacy of colonialism and slavery.
