ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Experts and policymakers have called for greater continental collaboration to advance the reparatory justice agenda while attending a symposium on the African Union (AU)'s theme of the year.

Focusing on "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," the symposium was held Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on Africa's priorities in its quest for reparatory justice.

Organized by the AU's advisory organ, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), the symposium underscored the crucial role of the reparations agenda in addressing historical injustices stemming from colonialism, transatlantic enslavement, apartheid and systemic discrimination. It also tackled contemporary challenges such as systemic racism, economic exclusion, and Africa's marginalization in global decision-making.

William Carew, head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, said that reparations go beyond financial compensation; they represent a commitment to restoring Africa's cultural identity, empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.

"Reparations are about taking ownership of our narratives and ensuring that future generations inherit a world that acknowledges the past and propels them toward a brighter future," Carew said.

He said that reparations can take various forms, including financial compensation, land restitution, acknowledgment of historical wrongs, and policies promoting social and economic equity.

"As citizens, we are the heartbeats of our continent. Hence, the reparation agenda is not confined within the four walls of the Mandela Hall (African Union), but it will be an agenda of every African as every voice matters," he added.

At the symposium, experts and policymakers said that reparatory justice is not merely about rectifying past wrongs but also about fostering equity, healing, and recognition of the rights and contributions of Africans.

Acknowledging the challenges in fulfilling the reparatory justice agenda, they called on the AU and its members to develop innovative and action-oriented implementation strategies in line with shifting global dynamics. They also urged global solidarity in advocating for international accountability in Africa's pursuit of reparations for historical injustices.

Ghana's Permanent Representative to the AU Robert Afriyie said the reparations agenda is "an important agenda for the continent," as it calls for historical acknowledgment, land restitution, cultural preservation, international accountability, financial reparations, policy reforms, community empowerment, and sustained advocacy.

"The theme of the year was carefully chosen, knowing that this is not an event, but a process which we are committed to. The theme clearly states building a united front to advance the cause of justice and reparations to Africans," Afriyie said.

Representatives at the meeting also emphasized the need to involve African youth, women, and other marginalized groups in the reparatory justice agenda.

This year's AU summit is set to take place from Wednesday to Sunday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.

As part of the annual gathering, the AU Executive Council, comprising foreign ministers from AU members, will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the assembly of African heads of state and government on Saturday and Sunday. Enditem

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