The 38th African Union Summit, scheduled to begin on 12th February, 2025 will focus on reparatory justice and racial healing, the African Union (AU) Commission said in a statement seen by APA on Wednesday.
According to the statement, this year’s AU summit will be held under the theme “building a united front to advance the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans”.
The continental body said having the right reparation for Africans and the people of African descent offers the AU the opportunity to take leadership on the Africa Reparations Agenda.
“Complexities of addressing past wrongs, whether they stem from colonialism, trans-Atlantic enslavement, apartheid or systemic discrimination, necessitated a thorough examination and strategic approach to bring about reparatory justice and racial healing to Africans,” it said.
The statement said African citizenries and the African Diaspora need to build a common and united front, for the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans for historical crimes, and mass atrocities committed against Africans and people of African descent, including colonisation, apartheid, and genocide.
The continental body further said that reparation as the theme of the year will further drive momentum generated over the years to promote an active AU-wide engagement on the subject of reparations, in close coordination with the AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and AU organs.
The statement further indicated reparatory justice for Africa can promote healing, equity, and recognition of the rights and contributions of African peoples when defied.
MG/as/APA