The Global Reparatory Justice Coalition (GRJC) has called on African governments to translate commitments on reparatory justice into concrete policies and programmes following the adoption of a continental framework aimed at addressing the legacy of slavery, colonialism and other historical injustices.
The coalition made the appeal while commending African leaders for endorsing the framework at a recent high-level conference in Accra, describing the decision as a significant step toward securing justice and restitution for people of African descent.
In a statement signed by Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, Interim Secretary General of the GRJC, the coalition stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on effective implementation rather than declarations alone.
The statement urged governments across the continent to develop actionable strategies that promote social justice, economic inclusion and sustainable development while addressing inequalities rooted in centuries of exploitation and discrimination.
According to the coalition, the framework provides a coordinated platform for advancing global efforts seeking accountability, restitution and redress for the enduring impacts of slavery, colonialism, apartheid and other forms of systemic oppression that have affected African people and communities of African descent.
The conference in Accra brought together government officials, policymakers, academics, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and members of the African diaspora to deliberate on pathways for advancing reparatory justice.
Participants underscored the need for a unified African position on reparations and called for stronger collaboration among African states to advance the continent’s interests in international discussions on historical accountability.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of historical education, preservation of cultural heritage, economic empowerment and coordinated advocacy efforts to address the long-term consequences of colonial exploitation and the transatlantic slave trade.
The coalition noted that the adoption of the framework sends a clear signal that demands for reparatory justice are gaining momentum and can no longer be ignored by the international community.
It further called on former colonial powers and institutions that benefited from slavery and colonialism to engage in meaningful dialogue with African nations and communities of African descent on practical pathways toward reparations and restorative justice.
The GRJC expressed optimism that the Accra conference would serve as a catalyst for deeper continental and global engagement on reparatory justice issues while strengthening Africa’s voice in international policy discussions.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, regional institutions, civil society organisations and diaspora communities to ensure that the objectives outlined in the framework produce measurable outcomes that contribute to justice, healing and sustainable development across the continent.
