Pan-African Congress on Reparations
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The Pan-African Congress on Reparations refers to a series of gatherings and conferences organized by African nations, the African Union, and civil society to advance the cause of reparations for the historical injustices of slavery, colonialism, and systemic underdevelopment. These events have been pivotal in shaping the international discourse on reparations and have called for solidarity among African states and the African diaspora in demanding justice and restitution from former colonial powers[1][2][3].
Background
[edit]The roots of the Pan-African movement date back to the early 20th century, with the first major Pan-African gatherings emphasizing the need for justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent worldwide[2][4].
Key Conferences
[edit]1993 Abuja Proclamation
[edit]The first major Pan-African Conference on Reparations took place in Abuja, Nigeria, from April 27–29, 1993. Sponsored by the Group of Eminent Persons (GEP) and the Commission for Reparations of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the conference issued the Abuja Proclamation, a landmark document that called upon the international community to recognize the unique and unprecedented moral debt owed to African peoples[1][2][5]. The proclamation also demanded the return of stolen goods (notably the Benin bronzes), cancellation of debt, and greater representation for Africa in international bodies such as the United Nations Security Council[1][5][6].
2022–2023 Accra Conferences
[edit]In August 2022 and November 2023, major Pan-African conferences on reparations were held in Accra, Ghana, with the participation of the African Union (AU) and representatives from across the continent and diaspora[3][7]. These conferences reaffirmed the demands for full reparations from responsible nations, institutions, and governments, highlighting the ongoing impact of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide on Africans and people of African descent[7][3][2]. The Accra Declaration called for a unified African position and the establishment of an African Committee of Experts on Reparations[7][3].
2025 London and Lomé Conferences
[edit]In April 2025, a landmark symposium titled "The London Conference, 125 Years Later: Pan-Africanism and Dialogue on Reparations" was held at SOAS University of London, organized by the Republic of Togo and the African Union[8][9]. This event marked a historic return to the city where the seeds of Pan-Africanism were first sown and set the stage for the ninth Pan-African Congress, to be held in Lomé, Togo, in December 2025[8][9].
Demands and Resolutions
[edit]Pan-African congresses on reparations have consistently called for:
- **Financial compensation** for the harms of slavery and colonialism[2][7][1]
- **Return of stolen artifacts** and cultural property[1][5]
- **Debt cancellation** for African nations[1][5]
- **Greater representation** for Africa in global governance[1][5]
- **Educational and technological transfers** to address historical deprivations[7][6][2]
The movement emphasizes that reparations are not limited to monetary compensation but also include social, economic, and cultural restitution[7][6][2].
International Context
[edit]The Pan-African Congress on Reparations has played a central role in advancing the global reparations movement, collaborating with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other international partners to build a united front for justice[2][7][1]. The African Union has officially adopted "Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations" as the theme for 2025, reflecting the ongoing commitment to this cause[7][8][9].
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h The First Pan-African Conference on Reparations, INOSAAR.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Global Pan African Movement Resolutions on Reparations, Pan African Congress.
- ^ a b c d Pan-African conference on reparations held in Accra, Africa Feeds.
- ^ Reparations for African People Will Never Die!, Chicago Crusader.
- ^ a b c d e The Abuja Proclamation, N'COBRA.
- ^ a b c Reparations to Africa and the Group of Eminent Persons, OpenEdition.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Decision on Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations to Africans, African Union, 2023.
- ^ a b c Panafricanism and Dialogue on Reparations, Diplomat Magazine.
- ^ a b c 125 Years Later: Pan-Africanism and a Dialogue on Reparations, Robert Dussey.
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