By King’s Office Correspondents
ADDIS, ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The Kingdom of Eswatini has endorsed the African Union’s (AU) 2023 call for ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations’.
This call is directed at former colonialists to address historical injustices and foster genuine development across the continent.
In a statement submitted to the AU summit, His Majesty the King has underscored the importance of acknowledging past wrongs rooted in colonialism and the slave trade, asserting that reparatory justice is about more than just financial compensation.
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“It is about restoring dignity and creating conditions for progress,” he emphasised. The King called for a united African voice on global platforms to seek accountability, recognition of historical injustices and a global commitment to meaningful action.
“This includes compensation, the return of cultural artefacts, resource ownership and fair trade practices. We urge African nations to amplify this agenda collectively, maintaining a steadfast call for justice and the rectification of past wrongs that have impeded Africa’s advancement,” said the King.
He further highlighted Eswatini’s commitment to the broader goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The king emphasised the importance of economic growth and sustainable development, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) being identified as a key driver.
He encouraged all African countries to embrace the AfCFTA, urging the fast-tracking of regional headquarters across the continent to maximise its benefits which offer unparalleled opportunities to attract investment, enhance industrialisation and create jobs.
Simon Shabangu – State Photographer)
The Head of State also stressed the need for adequate resources for the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund and commended the development of a comprehensive legal framework for the protocol on digital trade. Eswatini reiterated its full commitment to the implementation of AfCFTA.
“We urge all members to speed up the harmonisation of trade policies and infrastructure development to facilitate seamless trade across the continent.
Our economic integration must be driven by strong regional value chains, investment in manufacturing, value-addition and innovation,” he urged.
Financial institutions were encouraged to partner with the AfCFTA to support entrepreneurs in increasing production, expanding trade, and creating employment.
According to the AU, this year’s theme was decided on by the Heads of State and Government at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union held in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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It says that in the continuing pursuit of justice and equity, the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent.
The AU concept note highlights the complexities of addressing past wrongs, whether they stem from colonialism, trans-Atlantic enslavement, apartheid or systemic discrimination, necessitating a thorough examination and strategic approach.
It states that having reparations for Africans and the people of African descent offers the AU the opportunity to take leadership on the Africa Reparations Agenda.
