African Leaders Demand Reparations for Colonial Injustices at Addis Ababa Summit

Addis Ababa: The 38th African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government concluded with a strong message demanding reparations for the injustices that Africans experienced during the colonial era. African Heads of State and Government have endorsed the African Union’s theme of the year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the summit was attended by African heads of state, foreign ministers, diplomats, and heads of various continental institutions and other organizations. The delegates focused on discussing several key issues crucial for the continent’s future.

The summit deliberated on the agenda items discussed at the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held on February 12 and 13, 2025. Discussions included African Union institutional reforms, reparation justice, efforts to secure permanent representation at the UN Security Council, regional peace and security, implementation of the African Free Trade Area, trade and economic integration, agriculture development, climate change, human rights, and gender and youth empowerment.

Reparatory justice for Africa aims to promote healing, equity, and recognition of the rights and contributions of African peoples. It encompasses a range of initiatives designed to address historical injustices stemming from colonization, slavery, and systemic discrimination.