Africa: 'Justice Is Long Overdue' - Guterres Calls for Reparations for Enslavement and Colonialism

Simon Carr: Memory, complicity, and the complexity of history

Explore the complex history of slavery, African involvement, abolition efforts, and the challenges surrounding reparations in the African Union's 2025 theme.

Africa: 'Justice Is Long Overdue' - Guterres Calls for Reparations for Enslavement and Colonialism

Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his calls for Member states and the United Nations to work towards justice and reparations for Africans and the diaspora in a speech in New York on Friday.

Dear Editor: Reparations yes, but they must come with responsibility and reform

“[…] To be sure, reparative justice advocacy must also include an honest self-assessment by Africa and the African diaspora about their role in perpetuating continued underdevelopment. “[…] That process would entail seriously confronting well-documented issues, such as corruption, nepotism, and political maladministration, that continue to subvert their attempts at achieving sustainable economic development…” The following …

UN Chief Demands Long Overdue Justice for Africans

The Secretary-General’s remarks come amid continuing debates about the underrepresentation of African nations in global governance institutions, ongoing economic disparities, and the lingering impact of colonialism and racial discrimination. Guterres pointedly addressed these issues, stating, “Africa is still largely sidelined in decisions that affect its people and future. This is not just a failure of representation—it is a denial of justice t…