African Union Joins Call for Reparations from Former Colonial Powers
The African Union has aligned itself with a growing movement seeking reparations from former colonial powers for historical injustices, notably slavery. This was highlighted during a recent summit in Ethiopia, where the African Union and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) united in their demands.
With 55 member states participating, the summit marked a significant step in advocating for reparations from Western nations due to their roles in slavery and the exploitation of resources in Africa. A statement from the African Union expressed the importance of a unified voice, noting, “Africa and the Caribbean represent one fifth of humanity and should collectively demand acknowledgment of historical atrocities, meaningful reparations, and the dismantling of systemic injustices.”
This gathering was described as a homage to both ancestors and future generations, symbolizing a pivotal shift towards a shared future built on ideals of freedom, justice, and unity.
A special representative of the African Union remarked that “the world must acknowledge the compounded injustices experienced by Africa and the Caribbean, which stem from both colonial exploitation and the transatlantic slave trade.” He emphasized that the multilateral systems established were rooted in colonial dominance.
Pointing out that mere decolonization wasn’t sufficient, he further stated that political independence did not equate to a fair system of compensatory justice, as countries remained shackled by longstanding exploitative structures.
While the African Union did not specify particular countries to target for reparations, traditional colonial powers such as Belgium, the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain have been implicated in these discussions.
The reparations claim, echoed by the Caribbean community, totals over $100 trillion, with specific demands of $24 trillion from the UK and $26.8 trillion from the US. This comes despite Britain and the US having historically worked to suppress the transatlantic slave trade during the 19th century. The complexities surrounding the reparations debate also touch upon the involvement of African kingdoms in the enslavement of their own people.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously stated his position on this issue, while his newly appointed deputy, David Lammy, actively supports the reparations campaign. Politicians in Guyana have been vocal about the need for compensation, suggesting discussions at the negotiating table with Caribbean nations.
Additionally, Keir Starmer’s Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has been involved in providing legal guidance since CARICOM first proposed the need for reparations back in 2013.
