Youssouf Mondoha Assoumani, chair of the African Union permanent representatives
The African Union and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have formed a united front to seek reparations from European nations for slavery. At a summit in Ghana in November 2023, representatives from the two groups agreed to work together to demand compensation for the historical mass crimes that were committed against their ancestors.
The partnership between the African Union and Caricom is a significant development in the long-running campaign for reparations. It comes as the issue of racial injustice is gaining renewed attention around the world, and it is likely to put pressure on European governments to address their past wrongs.
The African Union and Caricom have a combined population of over 1.3 billion people, and they represent a powerful voice on the global stage. They are likely to be able to use their collective clout to extract significant concessions from European governments.
The move to seek reparations is a complex issue, and there is no guarantee that the African Union and Caricom will be successful. However, their united front is a major step forward, and it sends a clear message to the world that the time has come for justice to be served.
It is important to note that there is no single definition of “reparations” for slavery. Some people believe that reparations should include financial compensation, while others believe that they should also include apologies, educational initiatives, and economic development programs. The African Union and Caricom have not yet released a detailed plan for their reparations campaign, but they have said that they will work together to develop a comprehensive proposal.
The issue of reparations for slavery is a sensitive one, and it is likely to be met with resistance from European governments. However, the African Union and Caricom are determined to pursue justice, and they are hopeful that their united front will be successful.