The upcoming 38th African Union (AU) Summit, themed "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," provides an opportunity to strategize for a more successful future, particularly in addressing setbacks such as silencing guns and accelerating economic development across the continent, Ethiopia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the AU, Nebiyu Tedla, told ENA.
Ethiopia has undertaken thorough preparations to ensure a productive summit, which will be held on February 15-16 in Addis Ababa, and is finalizing the documentation to ensure that the outcomes of the summit reflect the country's national interests while contributing to the overall progress of the continent, Tedla noted, emphasizing Ethiopia's full readiness to host the event.
Heads of state, government officials, and high-ranking delegates are expected to attend, deliberating on critical issues that will shape Africa’s future, including fostering unity, promoting intra-African trade, and advancing justice and reparations for the continent and its diaspora.
According to the summit's press release, discussions will focus on a range of issues, including historical recognition of the impact of colonialism on African societies; financial reparations; compensation to affected nations through payments or development investments; resolution of land ownership disputes and compensation to displaced communities; restoration of suppressed heritage and return of stolen artifacts; addressing inequalities in education, health, and economic systems; and international accountability.