Pan-African Parliament Amplifies Call for Reparative Justice and Global Collaboration

By Olu Ibekwe

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has through the ongoing Committee Sitting at its precincts in Midrand, South Africa intensified its advocacy for reparative justice, aligning with the African Union's 2025 theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations." This initiative underscores PAP's commitment to addressing historical injustices and their enduring impacts on Africa and its diaspora.

Historical Context and the Call for Reparations

The transatlantic slave trade and colonialism inflicted profound socio-economic and cultural disruptions across Africa. These historical injustices have perpetuated systemic inequalities, economic disparities, and social fragmentation that persist today. PAP's call for reparations seeks not only financial compensation but also acknowledgment, restitution, and the rectification of these historical wrongs.

PAP's Role in Advancing the Reparations Agenda

As the legislative body of the African Union, PAP is expected to play a pivotal role in formulating policies that champion the rights and welfare of African citizens. By prioritizing the reparations discourse, PAP aims to:

·       Advocate for Policy Reforms: Develop and promote legislative frameworks addressing the legacies of slavery and colonialism, ensuring reparative justice is enshrined in national and continental policies.

·       Foster International Collaboration: Engage with global institutions, including the United Nations and the European Union, to build coalitions supporting reparative initiatives and holding former colonial powers accountable.

·       Educate and Raise Awareness: Launch campaigns to inform both African citizens and the global community about the importance of reparations, aiming to shift public perception and garner widespread support.

Global Momentum and Collaborative Efforts

PAP's initiatives resonate with a broader global movement advocating for reparations. In November 2023, the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) established the Global Reparation Fund during the Accra Reparation Conference, unifying efforts to demand reparations from former colonial powers. Additionally, in February 2025, Caribbean leaders called upon the European Union to offer formal apologies and consider compensation for the transatlantic slave trade.

Memorandum of Understanding with the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD)

In November 2024, PAP and SOAD formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent.

Strengthening Continental and Diaspora Relations

This MoU signifies a transformative collaboration aimed at uniting the African continent with its global diaspora. By fostering unity and addressing shared challenges, PAP and SOAD aspire to amplify the voices of African people worldwide, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed on international platforms.

Key Initiatives Under the MoU

The agreement outlines several joint initiatives designed to advance the restoration agenda:

·       Annual Africa-Diaspora Summit: PAP and SOAD will co-organize a yearly summit to facilitate dialogue, strategize on reparative justice, and strengthen ties between Africa and its diaspora.

·       International Day of the African Diaspora: The partners will collaboratively celebrate this day each year, promoting cultural exchange and raising awareness about the diaspora's contributions and ongoing struggles.

·       Permanent SOAD Office within PAP: Establishing a dedicated office for SOAD within the Pan-African Parliament will ensure continuous collaboration and alignment of political agendas, fostering a unified approach to policy-making and advocacy.

Implications for the Reparations Movement

This partnership enhances the reparations movement by combining PAP's legislative influence with SOAD's global reach, creating a formidable force advocating for reparative justice on the world stage. Collaborative efforts will focus on developing comprehensive policies that address historical injustices, economic disparities, and cultural restitution. Joint initiatives will also amplify the discourse on reparations, educating international audiences and garnering broader support for the cause.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While momentum for reparations is building, significant challenges remain. Former colonial powers have historically resisted calls for reparations, often citing legal and temporal distances from the atrocities committed. Additionally, there is a need for a unified stance among African nations to effectively negotiate and advocate for reparative justice on the global stage.

PAP's call for justice and reparations signifies a crucial step toward healing and rectifying historical injustices. By leveraging its legislative authority and fostering international collaborations, PAP aims to transform the reparations discourse into actionable policies that promote equity, development, and dignity for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.