Concept Note on the African Union Theme of the Year for 2025 Theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”

Abstract

This concept note explores the African movement for reparations and reparatory justice, drawing inspiration from Pan-African activism and notable figures such as Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The concept note emphasizes the formation of the 12-Member Group of Eminent Persons (GEP) by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on June 28, 1992. The GEP was tasked with developing a political agenda to address the repercussions of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. All the efforts aimed to tackle the enduring impacts of these injustices on Africa continent and in the Diaspora to fostering dialogue around accountability and restitution.