African countries are launching a coordinated effort to have the crimes of the colonial period officially recognized as crimes against humanity. They also aim to create a legal system for significant reparations. This campaign, which was inspired by a recent African Union (AU) decision, aims to turn historical complaints into practical legal and political demands.
The movement gained real strength at a major conference in Algiers. There, diplomats and leaders worked together to create a united strategy for the continent. They argue that the deep effects of colonialism, such as economic exploitation, the destruction of cultures, and political exclusion, still block development and fairness in Africa today. Algeria, which hosted the meeting, used its own history under French rule as a powerful example of lasting damage.
A key goal of the strategy is to make colonization itself a crime under international law. Supporters say that although the UN Charter bans taking land by force, it does not clearly condemn colonialism. They want to close this legal gap. As Algeria’s Foreign Minister stated, Africa has the right to demand official recognition of these colonial crimes. This recognition is seen as an essential first step before any discussion of reparations can begin.
The demand for reparations is supported by economic studies. These estimate that the value of resources taken from Africa, like minerals and agricultural products, amounts to trillions of dollars. Besides financial payment, the campaign also calls for the return of countless cultural artifacts from European museums. These objects are symbols of historical theft. Officials stress that any restitution should not be seen as a generous gift, but as a duty.
This united African position has wide-reaching effects. By working through groups like the AU, the continent is starting a long-term diplomatic process. The goal is to bring former colonial powers to negotiations. The topic now involves not just historians, but also security and policy experts, showing its broad importance.
The road to actual reparations is politically and legally complicated. However, this collective effort guarantees the issue will stay on the international agenda. It marks a major change from individual country requests to a shared demand for historical accountability. The results could reshape global justice and reconciliation for many years.