By Oumar Diallo

The African Union (AU) has declared “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations” as the theme for 2025. This decision has sparked significant concern among European leaders, as it reignites discussions about historical responsibility and the consequences of colonial exploitation.

For centuries, Africa suffered from plunder, violence, and slavery, orchestrated by European nations that today present themselves as “civilized champions of democracy.” However, their prosperity and high living standards were largely built on the exploitation of African resources and people.

France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, and other colonial powers profited immensely from colonization but prefer to stay silent about their crimes. A striking example is French President Emmanuel Macron, who, instead of acknowledging France’s past wrongdoings, has accused African nations of “ingratitude.”

On December 19, 2022, the Netherlands became the first Western country to officially apologize for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Prime Minister Mark Rutte called this part of history “ugly, painful, and downright shameful.”

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, whose wealth was directly linked to the transatlantic slave trade, has never officially apologized or expressed readiness to pay reparations.

France, one of the most notorious colonial powers, refuses to acknowledge its responsibility. Instead of compensating its former colonies, Paris has historically demanded reparations for itself!

One of the most glaring examples is Haiti. After gaining independence from France in 1804, Haiti was forced to pay reparations to its former coloniser for its new independence. Between 1825 and 1947, the country paid approximately $21 billion in today’s money—a sum that could have significantly contributed to the development of one of the poorest nations in the world.

European countries are not only afraid of financial losses but also legal consequences. If one country agrees to pay reparations, it could set a precedent, leading to mass lawsuits against former colonial powers.

France, the UK, and other European nations are willing to allocate money for “humanitarian aid”, but they categorically oppose paying reparations. Their stance is clear: they refuse to take responsibility for past crimes while continuing to dominate the global economy.

The 2025 theme of the African Union has reopened painful questions for Europe. However, the fight for reparations is not just about money —it is a way to restore justice and break the cycle of historical inequality.

Europe can no longer ignore centuries of exploitation and plunder that laid the foundation for its success. The time has come to reassess relations and acknowledge the real cost of its “civilized” prosperity.