Africa Day: Clarion calls ring for changing historical ills against the continent
This comes as the continent marks Africa Day on Sunday, commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which was later succeeded by the African Union.
A general view of the logo and the flags of the member states of the African Union at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa on 15 February 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - There are growing calls for reparative justice for Africans in what has been described as a bid to right historical wrongs from centuries of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation
This comes as the continent marks Africa Day on Sunday, commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which was later succeeded by the African Union (AU).
This year's theme, "Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations," shines a spotlight on a demand many believe is long overdue.
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Commentator Crystal Orderson says while the transgressors of these heinous injustices may not be ready to confront the issue, she says the AU can no longer afford to avoid it.
"The issue of reparation right now in the current administration is almost like a swear word, but I think the theme is a reminder that Africa would have been so much further if there was the issue of reparations that was put on the table. I do think that the West is really not ready to deal with the issue of reparations."