The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) convened a pivotal workshop on Monday, February 24, 2025, focusing on the African Union's 2025 Theme of the Year: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations." Held on the sidelines of the current Sitting of Permanent Committees at the PAP's seat in Midrand, South Africa, the event drew a distinguished audience that included His Excellency Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament; Lady Justice Imani D. Aboud, Judge President of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights; and Hon. Thandi Moraka, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. The gathering also included members of the Pan-African Parliament, representatives of AU institutions, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.
The workshop featured key presentations from prominent leaders in the global reparations movement, including HRH (Dr.) Barryl A. Biekman, Chairperson of the Executive of the African Union African Diaspora 6th Region High Council, and Dr. Tumenta Kennedy, Commissioner of the African Diaspora Development Agency (ADDA).
Dr. Biekman delivered a landmark address, introducing a comprehensive strategy titled "Reparatory Justice: A Multi-Dimensional Approach for African Reparations." She emphasized the urgent need for a unified and structured reparations framework, calling for "deeper integration between Africa and its global diaspora." In highlighting the historical injustices and ongoing inequalities faced by African communities, Dr. Biekman poignantly asked, "Imagine what could have been if our ancestors had not been stolen... Would we be here today discussing reparations?"
She explored the traumatic legacy of slavery, referencing oppressive legal systems such as the Code Noir and illustrating the enduring pain carried by descendants of enslaved Africans. Dr. Biekman stressed the necessity of unity and collective action, urging the Pan-African Parliament to establish a Special Diaspora Committee and enhance diaspora participation across various sectors. "We must capitalize on the potential of our people across the globe to build a stronger, more integrated Africa," she asserted.
Dr. Biekman further noted that the African diaspora extends well beyond CARICOM nations, encompassing communities in Brazil, Colombia, Panama, the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Russia, Palestine, India, Australia, Israel, and Europe. This underscores the need for broader representation in African affairs. Asserting the ongoing fight for justice, she called on the Pan-African Parliament to take decisive action in addressing the lingering effects of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism.
"Let us unite to dismantle the lasting vestiges of oppression. Let us reclaim our stolen artifacts, our ancestral lands, and our rightful economic resources. Let us ensure that the voices of the diaspora resonate in every global forum," Dr. Biekman declared.
In her address, she also highlighted contemporary challenges such as climate change and economic marginalization, reminding attendees of the urgent need for collaborative solutions. "Together, we will build a stronger, more integrated Africa. Together, we will achieve reparatory justice," she concluded to enthusiastic applause.
Following Dr. Biekman’s presentation, Dr. Tumenta Kennedy provided insights on "Reparations: Developing an Integrated Framework to Accelerate the Process through Diaspora Diplomacy." He emphasized the strategic role of African diaspora communities in advocating for reparations and outlined a comprehensive framework designed to enhance diplomatic efforts, economic collaboration, and policy advocacy for justice. "We have a new political reality of nationalism. We need a paradigm shift of multilateralism with people of African origin," Dr. Kennedy stated.
Throughout the workshop, both leaders engaged in plenary discussions and expert panels, contributing to deliberations on best practices, legal frameworks, and the role of parliaments in facilitating reparations. Their expertise reaffirmed the critical role of African and diaspora leaders in shaping policies that address historical injustices.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from all attendees to intensify their efforts toward advancing the 2025 Theme of the Year. The PAP and its partners aim to reshape narratives surrounding Africa's past, address present inequalities, and build a more equitable future. As the African Union prepares to implement its reparations roadmap, insights from Dr. Biekman and Dr. Kennedy will be instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that promote sustainable justice for African communities worldwide.
The gathering served as both a clarion call and a foundational milestone, reinforcing the need for collaboration at national, regional, and continental levels to make reparatory justice a tangible reality for all Africans and people of African descent.
