Reparation

1 Comment Posted on African Agency

My Africa Day 2025 Speech – Justice, Reparations, and Renewed Commitment

Every year, Africa Day invites us to pause, reflect, and recommit to the long journey of unity, liberation, and dignity for our continent and its diaspora. But in 2025, this moment carries deeper urgency and purpose. Under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” Africa Day becomes not just a commemoration, but a clarion call for action.

During an inspiring intergenerational dialogue in Dakar, held in a packed room alongside distinguished leaders, including Mr. Ousseynou Ly, Spokesperson for the Presidency of Senegal, I delivered this speech as a call to conscience. I urged African states, institutions, and global partners to move beyond symbolism and engage in real, structural transformation.

It is time to confront the legacies of slavery, colonization, apartheid, and the enduring injustices that continue to shape African realities. Reparative justice must be more than historical acknowledgment; it must be the foundation for bold reforms, accountable governance, and a future defined by dignity, equity, and African leadership.

Read the full speech below.

Mr. Ousseynou Ly, Minister-Counselor and Spokesperson of the Presidency of the Republic of Senegal,
Mr. Eyole Monono, Chair of the Political Affairs Sectoral Group of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council,
Representatives of various institutions,
Distinguished experts and partners from sister organizations,
Friends of the press,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we gather to celebrate Africa Day 2025, an occasion for deep reflection and renewed commitment to our continent and its global diaspora. This year’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” echoes as a call to action, an invitation to confront past injustices and to build an equitable future.

On May 25, 1963, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded, marking a historic step in the continent’s pursuit of independence and unity. Today, the African Union (AU), successor of the OAU, continues that mission by placing reparative justice at the heart of its 2025 agenda.

The scars left by slavery, colonization, apartheid, and systemic discrimination are still visible. These historic injustices have led to enduring inequalities, hindering our nations’ development and our peoples’ well-being.

Reparative justice is not limited to financial compensation; it involves recognition of the wrongs committed, restitution of looted cultural property, and the implementation of policies to correct structural imbalances.

Adopted in 2013, Agenda 2063 is an ambitious 50-year vision for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. Its seven aspirations envision a democratic Africa, driven by its citizens, especially youth and women, free from fear, disease, and want, and actively engaged in global affairs.

But a decade later, many wonder whether these aspirations are still within reach. Despite the immense energy of our youth, the continent faces serious structural challenges: persistent poverty, rising inequality, democratic regression, debt burdens, and a resurgence of coups. Between 2020 and 2023, seven African heads of state were overthrown by their own militaries, an alarming sign of institutional fragility.

The AU at a Crossroads

The transition from the OAU to the AU aimed to shift from state-centered diplomacy to citizen-centered governance. The goal was to build an institution rooted in shared values: democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance. Yet for many Africans, the gap between AU declarations and their lived realities remains wide.

Young people, who represent over 60% of the population, still struggle to participate in decision-making. Women’s representation progresses slowly. And poor governance continues to crush hopes for transformation.

Injustice Amid Abundance

The paradox of a resource-rich but impoverished Africa remains a harsh reality. The continent holds the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, platinum, gold, arable land, and forest resources… yet 34 of Africa’s 54 countries remain classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Each year, $89 billion illegally exits the continent through illicit financial flows—an amount that exceeds the total of development aid and foreign investment. Meanwhile, millions of African youth try to escape poverty. Since 2014, more than 20,000 people have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean, not counting those lost in the Sahara.

A Call for Accountability

The reparative justice we demand from the world also requires us to uphold accountability toward our own populations.

African states must clean up governance, fight corruption, and invest in education, health, and economic opportunity. International partners must support efforts for restitution, debt cancellation, and transparency in trade and taxation.

Rethinking Africa Day as a Moment of Commitment

Previously celebrated with parades, dances, and cultural performances, Africa Day must become a time for civic mobilization, political reflection, and intergenerational dialogue.

It is time to assess the implementation of key continental instruments: the African Charter on Democracy, the African Peer Review Mechanism, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and Agenda 2063. These are not just documents—they are promises made to our peoples. They must be honored.

Silencing the Guns in Africa: A Call to Action

Despite the AU’s commitment to “silencing the guns by 2020,” conflicts persist. More than 20 armed conflicts are currently raging across the continent. These are not inevitable. They stem from poverty, inequality, exclusion, and mismanagement of resources and identities.

Without the political will for structural transformation, peace will remain fragile. Extending the deadline to 2030 will not suffice if the root causes are not addressed.

Toward a New African Doctrine in Global Affairs

In the face of geopolitical tensions, energy transitions, and climate crises, Africa must define a unified strategic doctrine. It must build on the legacy of the Lagos Plan of Action and the Monrovia Strategy and develop a pan-African response grounded in resilience, unity, and sovereignty.

From Celebration to Commitment

Africa Day 2025 cannot be a mere commemoration. It must be a collective wake-up call. A call to bridge the gap between visionary declarations and everyday realities. A moment to renew pan-African solidarity.

The Africa we want will not be built through speeches, but through concrete actions, equitable justice, and inclusive governance. Only then can Africa write its future with dignity.

God Bless Africa.

Leave a comment Posted on African Agency

Strengthening Our Mission: Insights from the OSF Africa Tour

The Open Society Foundations (OSF) have long been committed to promoting human rights, equity and justice across the world. The Foundations play a crucial role worldwide, employing grant-making, research, advocacy, impact investment, and strategic litigation to ensure that everyone can live with dignity and rights.

Our recent Africa tour, encompassing visits to Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, and Namibia, provided invaluable insights into the diverse challenges and opportunities present in these countries. These experiences have not only deepened our understanding but also highlighted areas where we can enhance our strategies, partnership and interventions to better serve our mission.

Senegal: A Beacon of Democratic Resilience

In Senegal, the vibrant civil society and youth movements have played a crucial role in upholding democratic values. The peaceful transition of power to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Africa’s youngest democratically elected leader, exemplifies the nation’s commitment to constitutionalism. Movements like Y’en a Marre have mobilized citizens, especially the youth, to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders. This active civic engagement has been instrumental in fostering a political environment where democracy can thrive.

On women political participation: despite a progressive legal framework, implementation challenges and persistent patriarchal norms in Senegal reflect common realities across Africa. Our discussions emphasized practical support for women politicians, direct advocacy, and critical evaluations of international funding mechanisms for gender equity. The Senegalese experience underscores the necessity for targeted, substantive empowerment initiatives rather than merely symbolic actions.

Kenya: Harnessing Innovation for Social Justice

Kenya’s dynamic youth population is leveraging technology and innovation to address societal challenges. Our Ideas Festival in Nairobi showcased how young entrepreneurs and activists are creating solutions that promote rights, equity, and justice. Initiatives focusing on digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and social entrepreneurship highlight the potential of youth-led innovation in driving systemic change.

South Africa: Confronting Historical Inequities

South Africa’s journey towards social justice is marked by efforts to address the lingering effects of apartheid. The nation’s complex landscape includes tackling issues of land redistribution, economic disparities, and systemic racism. South Africa reaches three decades of democracy, marked by the end of apartheid and the rise of the African National Congress (ANC). Yet, this period is not celebrated unanimously. While the advent of democracy signaled hope and equity, many comrades cited the erosion of trust in public institutions as democracy’s core crisis. Corruption, nepotism, and government inefficiency have fostered deep-rooted cynicism. Civil society organizations and grassroots movements are at the forefront, advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and rectify historical injustices. These efforts are crucial in building a more equitable society

Namibia: Reimagining Participation and Transformation

In Namibia, the emphasis on community engagement and participatory governance is reshaping the nation’s approach to development. Youth leaders and civil society actors are advocating for structural reforms that address economic challenges and promote social inclusion. The focus on reimagining justice and participation reflects a commitment to transformative change that resonates with the broader goals of sustainable development. Namibia stands at an important crossroads. The election of a female president and vice president has symbolized a profound shift, sparking renewed optimism, particularly among women and youth. A central theme throughout our interactions was the complex interplay between forgiveness, reconciliation, and reparations for colonialism and apartheid and most importantly for the 1904–1908 genocide by the Germans. Also, the complexity of tribal identity in Namibia emerged consistently during our discussions.

So What? Connecting the Dots: Lessons from Across the Continent

Drawing from this learning visits it’s evident that while each nation faces unique challenges, there are shared themes of youth empowerment, innovation, and the pursuit of justice that resonate across borders. These experiences also underscore the importance of contextualized approaches to development and governance in Africa.

Local Contexts for Effective Interventions: One of the key takeaways from our tour is the paramount importance of tailoring our approaches to the unique socio-political landscapes of each country. Recognizing and supporting such local dynamics can amplify our impact and ensure that our initiatives resonate with the communities we aim to serve.

Youth Engagement and Innovation: Across the countries visited, the energy and innovation of young people stood out as a driving force for change. In Kenya, youth-led initiatives are leveraging technology to address societal challenges, while in South Africa and Namibia, young activists are at the forefront of movements for social justice and economic equity. By investing in youth-led organizations and creating platforms for their voices, we can harness this momentum to drive sustainable change.

Partnerships: The tour underscored the value of building robust partnerships with local organizations, governments, and other stakeholders. Collaborative efforts can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions. By fostering such collaborations, we can pool resources, share expertise, and create synergies that enhance the reach and efficacy of our programs.

Accountability and Transparency emerged as recurring themes during our visits. Communities expressed the need for greater openness in governance and the importance of holding institutions accountable. In response, OSF can intensify its support for initiatives that promote transparency, such as civic education programs, watchdog organizations, and platforms that facilitate citizen engagement in governance processes.

Adapting to Evolving Challenges: The dynamic nature of the challenges faced by African countries necessitates a flexible and responsive approach. Issues such as climate change, economic disparities, and political instability require adaptive strategies that can evolve with changing circumstances. OSF’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptation will be crucial in addressing these complex and interlinked issues effectively.

The Africa tour has been a transformative journey, offering profound insights into the resilience, creativity, and aspirations of the communities we serve. By integrating these lessons into our work, OSF can refine its strategies, deepen its impact, and continue to champion the values of justice, equity, and human rights across the continent. Our commitment to supporting open societies remains unwavering, and we are inspired to forge ahead with renewed vigor and purpose.

On a personal level, although I have been with OSF for only four months, the Africa Tour was an extraordinary opportunity to connect with a wide network of brilliant colleagues from across the globe, connections that would have otherwise taken years to build.

Conclusion:

The diverse experiences of these four countries highlight the importance of localized strategies that empower citizens, particularly the youth, to take active roles in shaping their societies. By fostering environments that encourage innovation, uphold democratic principles, and address historical and systemic inequities, African nations can pave the way for a more just and equitable future. Collaboration, both within and across borders, will be key in realizing this vision.

For more detailed reflections on each of these 4 learning visits, please refer to the following articles.

Désiré Assogbavi is an Advocacy Advisor at the Open Society Foundations. He is a jurist, policy & political analyst, and international development expert.

Leave a comment Posted on African Agency

Reimagining Justice, Participation, and Transformation in Namibia

Our Namibia tour happened at a defining moment in the country’s history; just months after the election of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female Head of State. This historic milestone offered a rich context for our engagements, providing us with great understandings of Namibia’s evolving democratic landscape, societal aspirations, and transformative potential.

Although the Open Society Foundations has yet to establish a permanent presence in Namibia, our learning tour significantly deepened our understanding, facilitated meaningful engagements across various sectors, and highlighted promising opportunities for future partnerships with both civil society and state actors.

The Promise and Paradox of Democratic Transition

Namibia stands at an important crossroads. The election of a female president and vice president has symbolized a profound shift, sparking renewed optimism, particularly among women and youth. However, our interactions revealed a prevalent concern: “We have a female president, but we remain with the same system.” SWAPO, Namibia’s ruling party since independence, faces a declining parliamentary majority, indicative of rising public discontent and heightened calls for structural reforms. The key challenge ahead is ensuring that leadership transitions are substantive rather than symbolic, driving tangible, impactful change in governance, socio-economic conditions, and justice frameworks.

Inclusive Dialogue and Reparative Justice

Our closing discussions, featuring a high-level panel including Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Members of the parliament, and prominent legal experts and civil society leaders, provided a profound exploration of Namibia’s negotiations with Germany concerning reparations for the 1904–1908 genocide. Civil society representatives passionately advocated for transparency, genuine participation, and inclusive negotiations, emphasizing that meaningful reparations require more than monetary compensation.

Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Reparations

A central theme throughout our interactions was the complex interplay between forgiveness, reconciliation, and reparations. Vice President Witbooi drew on Rwanda’s experiences, advocating forgiveness as critical to healing national wounds. Yet, our own Brian Kagoro and other civil society advocates highlighted that forgiveness must follow genuine reparative actions and accountability measures. Brian notably argued for reparations as essential for “balancing the books,” requiring acknowledgment, restitution, and systemic change to prevent recurrence of past injustices.

Calls for Inclusive Participation

Our dialogues underscored the fundamental importance of inclusive participation in the reparations process. The critique of Namibia’s Joint Declaration with Germany underscored the need for meaningful involvement and agency of affected communities, ensuring transparent, inclusive processes and outcomes that genuinely reflect collective aspirations.

Tribal Identity: Strength, Resilience, and Risk

Throughout our engagements, the complexity of tribal identity in Namibia emerged consistently. While strong cultural affiliations to groups such as the Herero, Owambo, Nama, and Damara provide essential sources of identity and resilience, participants highlighted the challenges posed by tribal divisions. A particularly resonant observation was, “Tribe still determines what you get from the economy and who gets to speak.” The imperative, therefore, is integrating Namibia’s rich ethnic diversity into a cohesive national identity, addressing historical grievances without exacerbating existing inequalities or promoting exclusionary practices.

Youth Advocacy and Economic Justice

A critical highlight of our tour was the dynamic role played by Namibia’s youth in advocating for justice, dignity, and structural reform. Former MP Patience Masua eloquently outlined the frighting economic challenges facing Namibia’s younger generation, notably a youth unemployment rate exceeding 45%. Nevertheless, she identified hopeful initiatives such as tax incentives for youth-led enterprises, housing programs, and green energy projects. These initiatives underscore a vibrant, future-oriented vision among Namibian youth, who are determined to achieve systemic and intergenerational equity.

MP Utaara Mootu provided further insights, passionately articulating the emotional and historical resonance underlying young Namibians’ demands for justice. She emphasized that true reparative justice must include land reform, constitutional recognition, and socio-economic restructuring, ensuring that historically marginalized communities receive meaningful redress and opportunities for empowerment.

Katutura: History, Challenges, and Resilience

Our visit to Katutura, a historically marginalized settlement established during apartheid-era forced relocations, revealed Namibia’s ongoing struggles and resilient spirit. Guided by community experts, our exploration illuminated Katutura’s touching history of displacement, discrimination, and economic exclusion. Yet, despite these challenges, Katutura exemplifies vibrant community activism, where youth, women, and grassroots leaders drive transformative conversations around equity, justice, and political participation.

Community initiatives like Penduka (“wake up” in local languages) stood out as powerful examples of resilience, empowerment, and agency among women. Penduka fosters economic self-sufficiency and social empowerment, symbolizing Namibia’s grassroots capacity to address historical injustices through innovative community-driven initiatives.

Women’s Leadership: From Representation to Real Impact

Namibia’s current leadership structure is unprecedented: the president, vice president, speaker of the National Assembly, and numerous ministerial positions are occupied by women. This significant shift in representation has profoundly influenced societal perceptions, aspirations, and opportunities. A compelling anecdote shared by a participant highlighted how his daughter’s aspirations shifted dramatically from becoming a First Lady to aspiring to the presidency itself. This narrative change should not be superficial, it should represents a significant societal shift toward gender equality.

However, participants repeatedly stressed that representation alone is insufficient. True victory, they argued, lies in translating increased representation into tangible impacts, ensuring the safety, opportunity, and justice for all Namibians, particularly women and girls from rural and marginalized communities.

Namibia’s Role in International Reparative Justice

Namibia’s global engagement, particularly its stance on reparations and international justice, was thoroughly explored during our discussion. Former ministers of justice Yvonne Dausab and legal experts highlighted Namibia’s active involvement in advocating for reparative justice through international platforms such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the African Union. Discussions emphasized the necessity of strategic legal training and capacity building to equip Namibian lawyers and civil society actors for effective engagement in international forums. This emphasis underscores the importance of a legally rigorous, inclusive approach to reparative justice that aligns with global standards while addressing Namibia’s specific historical contexts.

Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Transformational Justice

Our high-level closing panel explicitly celebrated women’s leadership in shaping Namibia’s political landscape and advancing the reparations agenda. Leaders recognized the critical historical and contemporary contributions of women in advocating justice, reconciliation, and societal transformation. The discussions affirmed women’s integral roles as leaders in peacebuilding and social justice initiatives, further reinforcing the necessity of gender-sensitive approaches to reparative justice.

Moving Forward Together

Namibia today navigates a delicate balance between historical memory and future aspirations. The nation continues to grapple with the profound legacies of colonialism, genocide, apartheid and structural inequalities, yet remains animated by resilience, courageous leadership, and proactive youth engagement.

As visitors, learners, and potential partners, our delegation departs inspired by Namibia’s courage and committed to amplifying its voice internationally. We recognize our shared responsibility to support Namibia’s journey towards a just, equitable, and open society.

To the Land of the Brave: May the future you envision rise powerfully through truth, inclusivity, collective voice, and transformative justice.

This tour has not only deepened our appreciation of Namibia’s complex socio-political landscape but also strengthened our resolve to collaborate in meaningful and impactful ways, championing justice, equity, and systemic change alongside Namibia.