The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government concluded on February 16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This pivotal summit, held from January 14 to February 16, 2025, centered on the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” The assembly witnessed significant deliberations on reparatory justice, the election of new AU leadership, and reinforced commitments to continental unity and development.
A Unified Call for Reparatory Justice
The summit’s theme underscored the AU’s dedication to addressing historical injustices stemming from slavery and colonialism. Leaders advocated for comprehensive reparations, encompassing financial compensation, formal acknowledgments of past wrongs, and policy reforms. The discussions aimed to rectify enduring economic disparities and systemic challenges linked to Africa’s colonial past. As reported by Reuters, the AU seeks to forge a unified vision to advance the reparations agenda, despite anticipated resistance from former colonial powers.
In his address, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasised: “Our pursuit of reparative justice is not merely about financial restitution; it is about restoring dignity, rectifying historical wrongs, and building a future rooted in equity and respect.”
Election of New AU Leadership
A landmark moment of the summit was the election of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Youssouf, who will serve a four-year term, succeeds Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad. His election reflects a collective aspiration for dynamic leadership to navigate the continent through its contemporary challenges.
Corporate Affairs Africa: Supporting AU’s Vision
As a staunch advocate for Africa’s socio-economic advancement, Corporate Affairs Africa commends the AU’s unwavering commitment to justice and equity. We align with the AU’s 2025 theme and pledge our support to the new leadership in actualising the reparations agenda.
Our Objectives:
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Advocacy and Awareness: Championing initiatives that highlight the importance of reparatory justice and its role in Africa’s development.
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Capacity Building: Equipping corporate affairs professionals with the skills to effectively communicate and advance the reparations discourse.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating dialogues between governments, private sectors, and civil societies to foster collaborative approaches toward reparative justice.
Call to Action
We urge Corporate Affairs professionals across Africa to actively engage in this transformative journey. Your expertise is vital in shaping narratives, influencing policies, and driving initiatives that resonate with our collective pursuit of justice.
Join Corporate Affairs Africa in our mission to support the African Union’s vision for a just and equitable future. Together, we can amplify the call for reparations and contribute to meaningful change for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.