Civil Society Forum in Africa Advocates for Reparative Justice and Future Solutions

On July 7, 2025, a significant event took place at the Sipopo International Conference Center in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where the Civil Society Forum of the African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) joined forces with the 2025 Interregional Dialogue of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). This critical forum aimed to address pressing issues on reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent, encapsulated in the theme, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," which will feature in the upcoming final communiqué of the African Union Executive Council.

The forum gathered over 200 participants who engaged in discussions about the role of civil society in shaping a future grounded in reparative justice. Key debates revolved around mechanisms for compensating African nations for colonial injustices, particularly those inflicted by former colonial powers. This includes exploring the financial impacts of enslavement and exploitation throughout history.

A prominent subject discussed at the forum was the basic reparations model, which highlights the counting of unpaid labor that enslaved Africans performed. For instance, if we consider that approximately 12.5 million Africans worked without remuneration for an estimated ten years, the financial implications can reach over $2 trillion even before considering interest or economic growth over time. Additionally, an alternative reparations model focuses on the resources extracted during the colonial period, suggesting that European powers drained between $4 to $6 trillion from the African continent through forced labor and underinvestment.

The discussions not only weighed these models against historical injustices but also considered the establishment of a Global Reparations Fund. This fund could be financed through contributions from former colonizing states, windfall taxes on profitable corporations stemming from exploitation, and climate levies targeting pollution from industries in the Global North.

Kwesi Pratt Jr., a prominent figure in the reparations discussion and Director of Pan African Television, introduced his newly published book, "History, Struggle, Politics, and the Case for Reparations," during the forum. This work, which aims to serve as a comprehensive examination of the reparations movement, is seen as a call to bridge the divides that often characterize reparations discourse. Pratt emphasizes the need for a restorative approach, declaring, "No amount of money can repay the millions of lives lost in the transatlantic slave trade. Reparations are about restoring our world." His book discusses historical milestones and outlines pathways that CSOs can take to garner global support for reparative justice.

Dr. Catherine Brooks from UNDP's African Facility for Support to Inclusive Transitions (AFSA) articulated the potential during transitional periods for renegotiating social contracts, particularly noting how changes in governance could provide unique opportunities. Meanwhile, Ambassador Amr Aljowaily of the AU Commission underlined the importance of institutionalizing reparative justice and ensuring CSOs play an active role in shaping relevant policies.

Makmid Kamara, Executive Director of Reform Initiatives, advocated for a shift in educational frameworks towards reparative education, underscoring the need for societal recognition of historical crimes against Africans. He stated, "Reparative justice is not charity—it is a right. We must revive African consciousness, reconnect the continent with its diaspora, and restore stolen lands to their people."

The Civil Society Forum clearly illustrated a collective commitment to shape a reparative future for Africa, tackling historical injustices while laying the groundwork for sustainable, socially equitable policies moving forward. Establishing long-term partnerships and integrating voices from civil society will be crucial for achieving impactful reparative justice. As the African Union's initiatives progress, it remains vital that these structural efforts continue to evolve and respond to the needs of the African populace, working towards a truly reparative future.