By 
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) is set to convene a pivotal symposium focused on the theme of “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Scheduled for 9 a.m. EAT at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, this event serves as a significant precursor to the AU Summit, providing a dynamic platform for engagement among various stakeholders.
This symposium, organized by the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in collaboration with AMANI Africa, Ethiopian CSOs Council, FEMNET, Reform Initiatives, Pan-African Lawyers Union, Trust Africa, Tax Justice Network-Africa, and Stop the Bleeding Campaign, aims to address historical injustices stemming from colonization, trans-Atlantic slavery, and systemic discrimination. These issues have perpetuated global inequality and stunted Africa’s development over the years.
The 2025 declaration by AU Heads of State, made during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in February 2023, underscores the urgency of the reparations agenda. Emphasizing a collective call for unity among Africans and the diaspora, the initiative seeks to tackle not only historical grievances but ongoing issues related to systemic racism and economic exclusion in the modern era.Despite the significance of this declaration, the path towards its implementation is fraught with challenges.
Misunderstandings regarding the agenda’s objectives and the insufficient collaboration among institutions could hinder meaningful progress. Hence, this symposium is tailored to galvanize active participation from civil society organizations (CSOs), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), government entities, and the African diaspora.
Key objectives of the symposium include the presentation of the concept note and roadmap for the 2025 theme, a comprehensive understanding of both the theme’s scope and strategies, and the establishment of collaborative mechanisms among involved stakeholders.
The event will facilitate crucial dialogues to identify challenges and solutions, empowering grassroots advocacy for reparative justice to emerge powerfully. With its ambitious agenda, the symposium heralds a crucial step towards addressing past injustices and laying the foundation for a more equitable future.
