Feb 13 – African leaders gathering in Ethiopia this weekend are set to push for reparations for slavery and colonialism, despite strong opposition from former colonial powers. The summit, held in Addis Ababa under the African Union (AU), aims to present a unified stance on what reparations should entail, including financial compensation, formal acknowledgments of past injustices, and policy reforms.
While calls for reparations have grown globally, they have also faced resistance. Many Western governments remain opposed, with leaders such as former U.S. President Donald Trump previously dismissing the idea. European governments have largely avoided formal discussions, maintaining a long-standing reluctance to address historical grievances.
The AU’s economic, social, and cultural council (ECOSOCC) confirmed that reparations would be a key topic at the summit. “Reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa,” ECOSOCC posted on social media platform X.
Historians estimate that between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken, primarily by European traders, and sold into slavery. The impact of this exploitation continues to shape economic disparities, systemic racism, and Africa’s development challenges. Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert Alfred Mavedzenge noted that Africa’s debt burden and climate vulnerability can be traced back to colonial exploitation.
Beyond Financial Compensation
Reparations advocates argue that restitution should go beyond financial payments and include structural reforms. William Carew, head of ECOSOCC’s secretariat, said reparations involve more than just money. “It is about ensuring future generations inherit a world that acknowledges their past and propels them toward a better future,” he said.
The AU has proposed measures such as land restitution, the return of stolen cultural artifacts, and policy changes to dismantle institutional inequalities. The organization has also suggested that international institutions like the United Nations should hold former colonial nations accountable, potentially through diplomatic or legal channels.
In 2023, the AU partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to strengthen demands for reparations. CARICOM’s plan calls for technology transfers, investments in healthcare and education, and measures to address the socio-economic damage caused by slavery and colonial rule.
Political Resistance and Populist Backlash
Despite growing calls for reparations, progress has been slow. Since the Organization of African Unity—predecessor to the AU—first demanded reparations three decades ago, little has changed. Resistance from right-wing movements in Europe and the Americas has complicated efforts to advance discussions.
Jose Maria Neves, president of Cape Verde, said the rise of right-wing populism has made it difficult to hold meaningful debates on reparations. In Portugal, historically one of the largest slave-trading nations, the far-right party Chega sought to charge the country’s president with treason for suggesting reparations might be necessary. In the UK, right-wing politician Nigel Farage warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer against engaging in such discussions, calling it a sign of weakness. In France, President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed the idea, calling for “reconciliation” instead.
With African leaders continuing to push forward despite these obstacles, the debate over reparations remains unresolved.
