Experts Call For Reparations Rooted In Reform: From Financial Fairness To Fair Global Governance

Dakar – To commemorate Africa Day 2025 this year, reparative justice will take centre stage asgovernment representatives, civil society leaders, youth activists, and regional institutions gather to participate in the “Reparative Justice for Africans: Reclaiming Dignity and Building Accountability” event taking place in Dakar this weekend.

Africa Day, observed annually on May 25, marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and reflects on Africa’s struggles and aspirations. It recognises reparative justice as essential to addressing historical and structural injustices while advancing African dignity, sovereignty, and global equity.

As global momentum for reparative justice gains pace, Africa takes the lead in asserting its voice and vision. From Caribbean leaders demanding accountability from former colonial powers to European governments facing renewed calls for restitution and apology, the global landscape is shifting.

The event in Dakar will spotlight the African Union’s 2025 theme of the year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” by moving beyond symbolism and focusing on concrete policy outcomes.

The dialogue will contribute to shaping a Common African Position on Reparations. Key areas of focus will include the moral and historical recognition of slavery, colonialism and systemic racism, the need for structural reforms in global governance and economic systems, the return of looted cultural artefacts, and renewed domestic commitments to governance, peace and inclusive development.

It will feature experts including Dr. Ebrima Sall, executive director, Trust Africa, Ibrahima Kane, human rights expert, Brenda Mofya, Head of Oxfam International Liaison Office to the United Nations, Prof Mame Penda from Gaston Berger University, Daouda Sembene, CEO, Africatalyst and Desire Assogbavi, Advocacy Advisor at the OSF and Brian Kagoro, Managing Director, Open Society Foundations. 

“This is a historic opportunity to reclaim African dignity and demand transformation through an intergenerational and policy-driven conversation on reparative justice”, said Desire Assogbavi, Advocacy Advisor at the Open Society Foundations.

“On Africa Day, we honor not just our history, but our agency, our right to shape a future built on equity, dignity, and accountability”, added Assogbavi. 

Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programs at the Open Society Foundations, emphasised the importance of historical recognition and redress for the injustices committed against African peoples.

“Reparative justice is not about the past alone, it is about reclaiming Africa’s future, restoring dignity, and rebuilding our sovereignty,” said Kagoro. “The debt of slavery, colonialism, and systemic exploitation remains unpaid. Africa’s call for reparations is a call for justice, not charity. Reparations must be rooted in reform: from financial fairness to fair global governance where Africa has an equal seat at the table”, he added. 

The event is organised by the Open Society Foundations, the National Youth Council of Senegal, West African Democracy Radio, the African Union’s ECOSOCC, Junior Chamber International Senegal, and The ONE Campaign Francophone Africa Directorate.