AU Chairperson João Lourenço Calls for Africa-CARICOM Unity in Pursuit of Reparative Justice

The President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, underscored the urgency of strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean in the shared pursuit of reparative justice, solidarity, and sustainable development. He made this call while declaring open the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit.From Historical Scars to Bridges of Cooperation

Lourenço reminded delegates that Africa and the Caribbean are bound not only by history and blood ties but also by a collective determination to transform the scars of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation into bridges of cooperation and justice. He recalled the first virtual Africa-CARICOM Summit in 2021 and hailed the 2025 gathering as a landmark opportunity to reaffirm dignity and unity.

“We are gathered here today not only because of our historical affinities, but fundamentally because of our shared determination to transform the scars of the past into bridges of solidarity, cooperation and justice,” Lourenço declared.

Reparations and Common Tools for Justice

Highlighting the AU’s decision to dedicate 2025 to the theme Justice for Africans and Afro-descendants through Reparations, Lourenço called for coordinated use of existing mechanisms such as the Afro-Caribbean Reparative Justice Mechanism and the Global Reparations Fund. He emphasized that these tools should guide AU-CARICOM collaboration in developing legal, political, and financial strategies to advance reparatory justice globally.

Strengthening Economic, Cultural, and Social Ties

The AU Chairperson noted significant progress in cooperation, including the opening of an AfreximBank office in the Caribbean, the Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum now in its fourth edition, and the 2024 AU-CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding. He called for greater ambition through:

·       Direct air links and revised visa regimes.

·       A joint communication and media platform.

·       Africa-CARICOM public-private partnerships.

·       Expanded collaboration in energy, digital technology, agro-industry, and the blue economy.

Lourenço further urged the institutionalization of an AU-CARICOM Youth Council, ensuring young people play a central role in shaping the partnership’s future.

Defending Multilateralism and Reforming Global Governance

Turning to global challenges, Lourenço decried the weakening of multilateral institutions and pressed for a reformed United Nations system, especially the Security Council, to reflect today’s realities and give a stronger voice to Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. He warned that current inequities in peace, security, and climate governance perpetuate marginalization of the Global South.

Solidarity With Palestine

In a strong gesture of solidarity, Lourenço extended Africa and the Caribbean’s support to the Palestinian people, describing their suffering as a “veritable genocide” and urging the international community not to remain indifferent.

A Milestone for Transcontinental Partnership

Concluding his address, the AU Chairperson expressed confidence that this Summit would mark a decisive milestone in transforming rhetoric into concrete action. He urged Africa and the Caribbean to seize this historic moment to consolidate unity, drive global reforms, and secure prosperity for present and future generations.