The African Union (AU) is intensifying its calls for slavery reparations from former colonial powers, with the issue set to take center stage at the upcoming AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The move aims to address historical injustices and promote justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent.

The AU adopted a resolution in February 2023 to pursue reparatory justice for transatlantic slavery and colonialism, reigniting debate on its implementation. The organization has outlined possible reparations, including land restitution, the return of cultural artifacts, and financial compensation. Additionally, the AU is seeking formal acknowledgment of past injustices and policy reforms to correct the lasting effects of slavery and colonization.

Ahead of the 38th AU Summit, the AU Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) hosted a Civil Society Pre-Summit Symposium to advance discussions on the reparations agenda. The event brought together civil society, policymakers, NGOs, scholars, and youth to discuss the AU's 2025 theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."

The reparations agenda aims to fight racism, economic inequality, and Africa's marginalization in global decisions, uniting Africans and the diaspora in pursuit of justice and equity. Last year, African and Caribbean nations pushed for an international tribunal to address atrocities from the transatlantic slave trade, during which 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken and sold into slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries.

However, the move has met resistance from Western leaders, with US President Donald Trump expressing skepticism and European leaders opposing discussions on the issue. In Portugal, the far-right party Chega proposed charging the president with treason for suggesting reparations might be necessary, while in Britain, right-wing populist Nigel Farage argued that engaging in talks on reparations would be a sign of weakness.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also ruled out reparations, instead calling for "reconciliation". The resistance from Western leaders has raised concerns that the African Union's push for reparations might not yield concrete results.

Despite the opposition, African leaders remain committed to their demands for slavery reparations. As Mr. William Carew, Head of Secretariat at ECOSOCC, emphasized, "Reparations are about more than just compensation; they represent a commitment to restoring cultural identity, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development. As citizens, we are the heartbeat of this continent. The reparations agenda must be on the lips of every African."

The African Union's push for slavery reparations marks a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and promoting justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent. As the issue gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether Western leaders will eventually yield to the demands or continue to resist the calls for reparations.

The outcome of the AU Summit will be closely watched, with implications for global relations, economic development, and social justice. As the African Union continues to push for slavery reparations, the world waits with bated breath to see whether this will mark a turning point in the pursuit of justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent.