ADDIS ABABA – The African Union (AU) summit aims to develop a “unified vision” for reparations, seeking financial compensation, formal acknowledgment of atrocities, and policy reforms.

“Reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa,” the AU’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) announced on X.

European merchants forcibly transported at least 12.5 million Africans into slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert Alfred Mavedzenge said, “It is increasingly becoming impossible to not acknowledge the damage caused by slavery and colonialism.”

The AU’s proposal includes land restitution, return of cultural artifacts, and policy reforms to address systemic inequality. The organization called on the United Nations to hold former colonial powers accountable.

Jose Maria Neves, president of Cape Verde, warned that rising right-wing populism has complicated serious discussions on reparations.

In Portugal, which enslaved the largest number of Africans, the far-right party Chega attempted to charge the president with treason for suggesting reparations might be necessary.

The AU partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 2023 to strengthen their reparations campaign. CARICOM’s existing plan demands technology transfers and investments to address health and education challenges.

French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected reparations, advocating instead for “reconciliation,” while US President Donald Trump dismissed the prospect entirely.

“My greatest concern is that there will just be a conversation at this summit but the resolutions will not be implemented,” Mavedzenge cautioned.