African Leaders Push for Slavery Reparations Despite Resistance from Western Nations
African leaders are meeting in Ethiopia this weekend to discuss a new plan for slavery and colonial reparations. According to Reuters, they want former colonial powers to address the harm caused by centuries of slavery and colonialism. However, many Western countries, including the U.S. and European nations, have rejected the idea of reparations.
During the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, leaders will work on a “unified vision” for reparations. This could include financial compensation, formal apologies for past wrongs, and policy changes to address ongoing inequalities.
The AU’s economic and social council, ECOSOCC, said reparations are a “hot topic” and stressed the need to tackle the lasting effects of slavery and colonialism, such as racism and economic gaps between Africa and wealthy Western nations.
From the 15th to the 19th century, over 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, enslaved, and sold by European traders. Today, Africa still faces challenges linked to this history, including heavy debts from colonial times and the impacts of climate change, even though the continent contributes very little to global carbon emissions.
Reparations advocates say this is about more than just money. William Carew, head of ECOSOCC, explained that reparations could include returning stolen land and cultural artifacts, as well as policy changes to reduce inequality. The AU also suggested using international courts or diplomatic pressure to hold former colonial powers accountable.
In 2023, the AU partnered with Caribbean nations (CARICOM) to demand reparations. CARICOM’s plan includes calls for technology transfers and investments to address health and education crises. However, progress has been slow.
For example, Portugal, which enslaved more Africans than any other country, has seen its far-right politicians reject the idea of reparations. Similarly, leaders in Britain and France have dismissed the concept, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for “reconciliation” instead.
Zimbabwean lawyer Alfred Mavedzenge, a reparations expert, expressed concern that the AU summit might lead to discussions but no real action. He and others believe reparations are essential to acknowledge the past and create a fairer future for Africa.
This push for reparations comes at a time when right-wing politics in Europe and the U.S. are making it harder to have serious discussions about historical injustices. Despite the challenges, African leaders are determined to keep the conversation alive and fight for justice.
(Credit: This simplified explanation is based on original reporting by Reuters.)