African countries are working together. They want the world to officially say that colonialism was a crime. They also want money and artefacts back for the damage done.
This idea became stronger at a big meeting in Algeria. Leaders said the problems from colonial times are still here today. These problems include stolen resources and broken cultures. Algeria talked about its own difficult history with France.
The plan is to make colonization a crime in international law. They say this is an important first step. After this step, they can ask for reparations, which means payment for harm. They want trillions of dollars for stolen resources. They also want thousands of cultural objects returned from European museums.
African leaders say this payment is not a gift. It is an obligation, or a duty. They are using the African Union to make their case. This is a long-term plan to talk with former colonial powers.
The road to reparations will be difficult. But African nations are now united on this issue. They want historical justice.