Africa's Strategic Push for Reparative Justice

In a significant move towards addressing historical injustices, the African Union (AU) has adopted a motion, spearheaded by Ghana, to classify slavery and colonialism as crimes against humanity. This initiative, announced at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, aims to mobilize support for reparative justice across the continent. The AU has designated 2025 as the Year of Reparations, with the theme "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," marking a pivotal moment in the 55-country bloc's agenda.

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The AU's reparations campaign is rooted in a long history of colonial exploitation and the transatlantic slave trade that has left lasting economic, social, and psychological scars on African nations. Despite previous efforts, including the Abuja Proclamation of 1993, progress has been slow, hindered by a lack of resources and reluctance from former colonial powers to engage in reparative discussions. Recent gestures, such as France's willingness to discuss reparations for the 1899 massacre in Niger and Germany's acknowledgment of its colonial-era genocide in Namibia, have not fully addressed the demands of affected communities.

The Guardian

Ghana has emerged as a leader in the reparations movement, with President John Mahama advocating for a united continental approach. He established an Office for Global Reparations and emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the injustices of the transatlantic slave trade. The Wakati Wetu festival in Nairobi served as a platform for discussions on reparative justice, featuring prominent voices like Kenyan author Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, who highlighted the importance of acknowledging historical trauma.

The Guardian

While the reparations movement gains momentum, some analysts caution against rushing into restitution without a thorough historical audit of past wrongs. Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor warned of the need for a solid ideological foundation for reparations, describing it as "an act of moral autopsy and then moral exorcism." Critics also point to the geopolitical climate, with leaders like Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves noting the rise of extremist groups in former colonial powers, which complicates discussions on reparations.

The Guardian

The AU's reparations initiative represents a critical step in addressing historical injustices and fostering healing within African societies. By framing these issues within the context of human rights, the movement seeks to engage a broader audience, including the diaspora, in the quest for justice. The integration of arts and culture in the reparative discourse, as emphasized by figures like Keith Vries, aims to make the conversation more accessible and resonate with diverse audiences.

The Guardian

Plans are underway to hold similar arts and culture-themed festivals across Africa every two years, aiming to sustain momentum for the reparations movement. Kyeretwie Osei, head of programs at the AU's Economic, Social and Cultural Council, emphasized the importance of combining policy with storytelling to engage the public and build a compelling narrative around reparative justice.

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• “The transatlantic slave trade … is not merely a dark chapter of history, it is the greatest crime against humanity ever perpetrated,” — John Mahama, President of Ghana

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• “Trauma aches for redemption. History longs to heal.” — Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Kenyan Author

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• “People must never, ever, underestimate the power of the arts and the culture in the delivery of justice,” — Keith Vries, Namibian Writer and Activist

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• “It’s about truth-telling and unravelling what’s there.” — Njahîra Wangarî, Kenyan Scholar and Educator

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