ECOSOCC Hosts Civil Society Symposium on Reparations

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) convened a Civil Society Pre-Summit Symposium on February 11th, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ImNews has learned. This significant event, held in advance of the 38th AU Summit, centered around the African Union’s 2025 Theme of the Year: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”   

The symposium brought together a diverse and influential group, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), policymakers, International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), academics, and youth leaders. Discussions focused on the profound and ongoing consequences of colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and systemic discrimination, all of which contribute to global inequality and hinder Africa’s development.  

According to ECOSOCC, the reparations agenda aims to address historical injustices while simultaneously tackling contemporary issues such as systemic racism, economic exclusion, and the marginalization of Africa in global decision-making processes. The initiative is intended to serve as a unifying call for Africans and the African diaspora to collectively advocate for justice, equity, and redress.  

The symposium, a collaborative effort between ECOSOCC and organizations including Amani Africa, TrustAfrica, and FEMNET, provided a crucial platform for in-depth deliberation on the historical and contemporary significance of the reparations agenda.

Mr. Khalid Boudali, Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC, emphasized the critical role of civil society in advancing the reparations conversation during his opening remarks. “We understand that the success of the reparations’ agenda hinges on the active participation of civil society,” stated Mr. Boudali. “This is why we have elevated today’s symposium from a side-event to a central feature of the AU’s calendar.”  

Mr. William Carew, Head of Secretariat for ECOSOCC, further highlighted the multifaceted nature of reparations, stating, “Reparations are about more than just compensation; they represent a commitment to restoring cultural identity, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development. As citizens, we are the heartbeat of this continent. The reparations agenda must be on the lips of every African.”  

Dr. Ebrima Sall, Executive Director of TrustAfrica, drew attention to the Stop the Bleeding Campaign, emphasizing the detrimental impact of illicit financial flows (IFFs) on the African continent’s resources. Mr. Brian Kagoro, Managing Director, Programs at Open Society Foundations, delivered a keynote address providing a historical context for reparations, asserting that colonial narratives have systematically obscured and devalued African contributions. “Justice demands acknowledgment, restoration of dignity, and compensation for historical and ongoing losses,” Mr. Kagoro emphasized.  

Other speakers, including Dr. Solomon Dersso of Amani Africa and Ms. Eunice Musiime of Akina Mama wa Afrika, further enriched the discussions, addressing historical accountability and the critical intersection of gender justice with reparations. Ms. Eldana Samuel, a youth representative from the Ethiopian CSO Council, urged African youth to actively participate in the reparations discourse.  

Mr. Terefe Degeti, Executive Director of the Ethiopian CSO Council, underscored the significance of the 2025 AU Theme of the Year and the vital role of CSOs in advancing the agenda in collaboration with ECOSOCC.  

The symposium concluded with a strong call for sustained collaboration among civil society, policymakers, and citizens to drive the reparations agenda forward. ECOSOCC announced its commitment to continuing consultations and dialogues throughout the year, ensuring that citizen voices remain central to this critical and ongoing discourse.   

Source: African Union ECOSOCC

About ECOSOCC

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) was established in July 2004 as an Advisory Organ of the African Union. Composed of diverse social and professional groups from AU Member States, ECOSOCC is mandated to contribute, through expert advice, to the effective integration of the African Union’s objectives, principles, and policies into tangible programs. ECOSOCC also plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of these programs.   

Media Contact:

Ms. Carol Jilombo | Senior Communications Officer | AU ECOSOCC Secretariat, Lusaka, Zambia | E-Mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org