Key stakeholders including church leaders from various denominations and regions, policymakers, civil society organisations, academics and researchers, Donor Agencies, International Development Organisations, have gathered on 15 April 2025, at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations in New York, USA, within the framework of the African Union (AU) theme of the year of “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations”. A panel discussion to that effect was held at the margins of the the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, on the theme: “Faith Perspectives on Reparatory Justice and Racial Healing”, in the presence of Mr. Nana Osei Kyeretwie Programs Manager, AU ECOSOCC; Rev. Angelique Walker, Smith World Council of Churches President from North America-Turtle Island; Bishop Bannie Manga Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church of Gambia; and Ambassador Rev. Ladi Peter Thompson, Deputy Secretary General & Director for Peace and Security, Africa Union Sixth Region Global.

image008.jpgJointly convened by the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AU Commission, and All African Conference of Churches, the side event focused on addressing the complexities observed and explore strategies to harness the positive influence, contribute to the formation of a united framework for advancing reparative justice globally, propose actionable steps for incorporating reparations into AU flagship programs and policies, strengthened relationships and collaboration between African Union, civil society, opinion leaders and faith-based organisations, around issues of reparative justice, increased awareness and deeper understanding of the political economy of reparative justice or reparations for Africa, enhance advocacy arguments or positions on reparations for Africa and peoples of African descent.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Salem Matug, Senior Political Officer, speaking on behalf of, Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohamed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, underscored the important role played by faith communities in advancing equity, dignity, and healing for all. He emphasized the need for advocating for policies and programs that address economic restitution and social repair, supporting educational and cultural initiatives that preserve the history and contributions of people of African descent, encouraging interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue to foster racial healing and mutual understanding; and holding institutions—both religious and secular—accountable for their roles in past injustices and ensuring reparative measures.

“Faith traditions across the world call for justice, reconciliation, and the restoration of communities harmed by oppression. From sacred scriptures to ethical teachings, our beliefs compel us to confront the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and racial discrimination. Reparative justice is not merely an economic or legal issue—it is a moral imperative that seeks to repair broken relationships, restore dignity, and create pathways for collective healing…Reparative justice and racial healing require collective effort, moral courage, and sustained commitment…This meeting serves as a catalyst for ongoing engagement and solidarity. We leave with renewed determination to uphold the values of justice and compassion, working towards a future where all people—especially those of African descent—experience true equity and dignity”, concluded Mr. Salem Matug.

Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, AACC General Secretary, stated that “today’s conversation comes at a critical moment when the African continent, under the leadership of the African Union, is calling for “justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.” Reparatory justice, he said, is not just about restitution in the form of compensation, it is about acknowledging the history of harm, addressing the ongoing impacts of that harm, and striving for true restoration, a process that demands honesty, courage, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It demands hope, reconciliation, and a commitment to building a world where justice is not a mere aspiration but a lived reality for all.

“Faith communities have an essential role to play in the healing process. Healing is not simply the removal of pain but the restoration of dignity, identity, and hope. We know that true healing requires reconciliation and transformation—not just of the individual, but of entire communities and systems. Faith can guide us in this journey, reminding us that racial healing is not just about the past but about building a future where there is justice, equality, and respect for human dignity… We would like to commend the UN, which, in August 2021, through the General Assembly, adopted resolution 75/314, formally operationalizing the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent as a consultative mechanism for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent”. Underlined AACC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki.

Dr. Onyekachi Macaulay Obasi Kalu, Secretary General of the African Union Sixth Region Global on his part explained that the restorative and reparative justice stand as twin pillars of healing - one focused on repairing what was taken, and the other on rebuilding what was broken, together forming the foundation for true reconciliation and lasting justice. “We must rebuild trust—between nations, within faith communities, across oceans, and generations. We must rebuild systems—so that justice is no longer an exception, but the norm. We must rebuild souls—through healing, memory, education, and truth…The Voice of the Diaspora Must Lead ...We bring not only memory, we bring strategy. We bring not only pain, we bring policy. We bring not only wounds—we bring wisdom. The Church Must Not Be Silent” stressed the Secretary General of the African Union Sixth Region Global

The panel discussions that followed also featured the following thematic areas: Climate finance as reparations, Economic justice including reparations for legacy of slave-trade and colonialism, wealth redistribution and reform of global economic architecture. Gender justice was also discussed with the intersection of gender and reparations, exploring the impact of the slave-trade and colonialism on women and other marginalized groups.
-------------------------------------------------------

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Hazel Maureen Danetta Dixon I Regional Desk Officer I Citizens and Diaspora Directorate I African Union Commission I Email: dixonh@africa-union.org

Mr. Justice Oman I Program Executive I Liaison Office All Africa Conference of Churches I Addis Ababa I Email:justiceoman@aacc-ceta.org I+251 113 85 1158

For media inquiries and interviews please contact:

Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp);