African Leaders Convene in Addis Ababa for the 38th AU Summit… …Call for Justice, Reparations By Takasununguka Ziki FOLLOW OUR CHANNEL: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCpLzu2f3EBYPSgI93M 15 February, 2025 | | Zim Global Media News 🗞️ Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa is once again the epicenter of continental diplomacy as leaders from across Africa gather for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Among the distinguished attendees is the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, His Excellency the President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, who joins his counterparts to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the continent. This year’s summit, held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” underscores the growing momentum for addressing historical injustices and their lingering effects on the African continent and its diaspora. The official opening ceremony, held on February 14, 2025, was a vibrant display of African unity and cultural pride. Dignitaries, including heads of state, senior government officials, and development partners, filled the plenary hall of the AU headquarters, adorned with the flags of member states. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose as leaders prepared to tackle one of the most contentious and transformative topics in recent AU history: “reparations for centuries of exploitation, slavery, and colonialism.” The choice of this year’s theme reflects a growing consensus among African leaders and civil society that the time has come to confront the legacies of historical injustices. The transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and neocolonial exploitation have left deep scars on the continent, contributing to systemic poverty, underdevelopment, and social inequality. The AU’s focus on reparations signals a bold step toward addressing these issues and seeking redress for the African people. In his opening remarks, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the moral and historical imperative of the reparations agenda. “The wounds of slavery and colonialism have never fully healed,” he declared. “The wealth extracted from Africa built empires and fueled industrialization elsewhere, while leaving our people in chains and our economies in ruins. Justice demands that we confront this history and seek reparations for the crimes committed against our ancestors and their descendants.” The summit’s theme has resonated deeply across the continent and beyond. In recent years, movements advocating for reparations have gained traction, with Caribbean nations and African diaspora communities joining the call for accountability. The AU’s decision to prioritize this issue at the highest level of continental governance marks a significant milestone in the global reparations movement. As the current chairperson of SADC, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is playing a pivotal role in shaping the regional bloc’s contributions to the summit. Zimbabwe, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, has been a vocal advocate for African unity and self-determination. President Mnangagwa has reiterated the importance of solidarity among African nations in the pursuit of justice. “The quest for reparations is not merely a matter of financial compensation,” President Mnangagwa has stated. “It is about restoring the dignity of the African people and reclaiming our rightful place in the global community. We must stand together, as one Africa, to demand accountability from those who have profited from our suffering.” He added. President Mnangagwa also highlighted the need for African nations to strengthen their economies and institutions as part of the broader reparations agenda. “While we seek justice from external actors, we must also look inward and address the challenges that hinder our progress. Corruption, poor governance, and lack of unity are obstacles that we must overcome to achieve true liberation.” The President added. Leaders are exploring the creation of a unified African position on reparations, which would serve as the basis for negotiations with former colonial powers and other stakeholders. This framework would outline the specific forms of reparations sought, including financial compensation, debt relief, and the return of stolen cultural artifacts. The AU is seeking to strengthen ties with the African diaspora, recognizing their critical role in the reparations movement. Plans are underway to establish a diaspora fund to support development projects across the continent. The summit is also addressing contemporary forms of exploitation, such as unfair trade practices and the extraction of Africa’s natural resources by foreign entities. Leaders are calling for greater transparency and equity in global economic relations. A key resolution under consideration is the establishment of educational programs to teach African history and the impact of slavery and colonialism. This initiative aims to foster a sense of pride and identity among African youth. The 38th AU Summit is not only a continental event but also a global call to action. The reparations movement has gained international attention, with growing support from scholars, activists, and policymakers worldwide. The AU’s leadership on this issue has the potential to reshape global narratives about justice, equality, and historical accountability. As the summit continues, all eyes are on Addis Ababa. The decisions made here will have far-reaching implications for Africa’s future and its place in the world. For President Mnangagwa and his fellow leaders, the challenge is clear: to turn the rhetoric of justice into a reality for the African people. In the words of AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, “This is not just a summit; it is a turning point in our history. Let us seize this moment and build a future worthy of the sacrifices of our ancestors.” ——————————————— Zim Global Media News 🗞️ an Afrocentric Voice https://www.zimglobalmedia.co.zw ———————————————