ADS 2025, Deputy Chairperson Launch Message

His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, Her Excellency Amina Muhammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Her Excellency Ms Christina Duarte, Under Secretary General, Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary General, esteemed guests, distinguished colleagues and participants, all protocols observed. 

I am honored to be invited to these discussions as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission within the framework of the Africa Dialogue Series 2025, to engage in a dialogue that is both timely and crucial under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

This topic, which is in line with the African Union theme for the year 2025, resonates deeply within the hearts and minds of millions as we confront the historical injustices that have characterized our past and impact on our present and our future. 

Being held annually throughout the month of May and organized jointly by the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations and the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, the Africa Dialogue Series seeks to amplify a new narrative for Africa from Africa and foster global consensus on innovative solutions to achieve Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. 

The complexities of addressing past wrongs, whether they stem from colonialism, slavery, transatlantic enslavement, apartheid, plundering of natural resources or systemic discrimination and the list is long as reflected in the African Union assembly decision 903, necessitate a thorough examination of our collective efforts to address their consequences. including on the development, stability, and integration of our continent. 

It is our collective responsibility to acknowledge these injustices, to understand their implications, and to strive for a just and equitable future for Africans and all people of African descent. 

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to quote from Nelson Mandela. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

As Africans, we now need to continue our path in rising and be in charge of our destiny. This marks the centrality of Agenda 2063 as a road map for the continent in line with the aspirations of our forefathers. 

Reparations are not merely a financial compensation. They represent a profound moral and ethical obligation to acknowledge the wrongs of the past. They symbolize a commitment to healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of dignity. 

Justice is not just about rectifying historical wrongs, but also about ensuring that such injustices are never repeated and their consequences effectively mitigated. 

Aiming at amongst others offering a platform for partners and stakeholders of choice to articulate an understanding of reparatory justice and the adequacy of existing strategies and framework, the Africa Dialogue Series 2025 will certainly provide an invaluable opportunity to deepen our reflection under the following three unique sub teams regarding learning from the past, understanding the present and building the future. 

The first one relates to learning from the past, colonialism, trans transocianic slave trade, extractive economies and institutions in Africa. Second, understanding the present economic and social justice for sustainable development. And last and third, building the future, healing and reparations towards socioeconomic justice for Africans and people of African descent. 

In our discussions throughout the upcoming days, let us reflect amongst others on reparations that encompass not only financial restitution but also investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, cultural preservation, and the accurate reflection of the history of the continent. 

These reparations should empower our countries, people, and communities, enabling us to also reclaim our narrative and build a future that reflects our values, aspirations, and identities. Furthermore, we must recognize that the journey towards justice is not one we can undertake alone. 

It requires collaboration among the African Union, including its sixth region, the diaspora, the United Nations, international organizations, and civil society. We call upon governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide to join us in this vital pursuit of justice. 

As part of this collaboration, there are decisions that have been adopted by the African Union Assembly of Heads of States and Government in February 2025 and resolutions of the UN General Assembly adopted in 2024 in the context of the follow-up to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

For the African Union, decisions have been adopted on the implementation of the road map of the theme of the year 2025 justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. It is important that both the African Union and the United Nations collaborate in the implementation of such crucial decisions and resolutions. 

For instance, the inclusion of the sixth region of the African Union, called the diaspora, through the African Union and the Durban follow-up mechanisms is one area to begin with. To conclude, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. Let our discussions this year form a call to inspire actionable steps towards a future where justice, equity, and dignity are not just ideals but lived realities for all. 

Together, we can pave the way for healing and empowerment, ensuring that the legacy we leave behind is one of hope and progress. 

I wish you all very fruitful deliberation for the Africa Dialogue Series 2025 on such an important theme. 

Thank you for your kind attention.