This Year’s AU Theme Essential Moment for Collective Action to Address Historical Injustices

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2025 (ENA) -- The Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has called for Africa to reclaim its historical narrative, rejuvenate indigenous knowledge, and preserve its intellectual and cultural heritage.

This call comes ahead of the African Union's 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” and was the focal point of a pre-summit symposium held in Addis Ababa.

Khalid Boudali, the Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC, emphasized that the theme is not just a call for redress but also an essential moment for collective action to address historical injustices.

 "As an advisory body to the AU, ECOSOCC is leading this mission," Boudali stated, "making sure that the voices of African civil society organizations, NGOs, professional groups, activists, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and cultural custodians are central in shaping policies, advocating for justice, and leading the movement for reparations."

He reaffirmed that the African Union is committed to creating a strategic pathway that not only acknowledges history but also leads to practical solutions.

Acknowledging the cultural heritage crisis in Africa, Boudali stressed the importance of reclaiming Africa's historical narrative, revitalizing indigenous knowledge, and safeguarding the continent’s intellectual and cultural legacy.

Executive Director of Amani Africa Media and Research Services, Solomon Dersso, pointed out that a significant challenge to the reparations movement is the ongoing inequality both within and between nations.

He stressed that the theme of the 38th AU Summit is crucial not just for Africans and people of African descent, but for all of humanity.

“This theme aims to bridge the gap between the realities faced by Africans and people of African descent and the promises of the international human rights system, which affirms the equal dignity of all human beings,” Solomon explained.

Executive Director of Trust Africa, Ebrima Sall added that the issue transcends correcting past wrongs, as many of these injustices persist today.

 

He underscored the need to end the ongoing looting of resources, including cultural and natural assets.

“The agenda is not solely about addressing past wrongs; it’s also about transforming the present and building a just future,” he said.

ECOSOCC reiterated that reparations should be comprehensive, incorporating financial restitution, cultural restoration, environmental accountability, and other forms of redress.

 

Moreover, the agenda extends beyond rectifying historical injustices to address contemporary challenges such as systemic racial discrimination, exclusion from global decision-making, and the economic marginalization of African nations.