Difficult conversations left unspoken: The African Union’s reparations agenda and EU-AU relations
CITY / COUNTRY: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS.
Date: 12/01/2026.
Difficult conversations left unspoken: The African Union’s reparations agenda and EU-AU relations.
” Reparatory justice, historical accountability and Africa-Europe diplomatic relations”.
This event explores the African Union’s (AU) reparations agenda and its impact on relations between Africa and the European Union (EU). It examines historical injustices linked to slavery, colonialism and racial discrimination. In addition, the discussion considers why reparations remain a sensitive issue in diplomatic relations. It highlights the challenges of securing historical accountability, promoting justice and building stronger partnerships between Africa and Europe.
Historical Context: The African Union’s reparations agenda builds on decades of calls for justice and historical accountability. These calls address the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination. In 2023, the Accra Proclamation strengthened efforts to develop a common African position on reparations. Furthermore, the AU declared 2025 the Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. Against this background, the event examines the tensions surrounding reparations in EU-AU relations. It explores Europe’s response to African demands for justice and recognition, while highlighting the need for open dialogue, accountability and meaningful cooperation.
Organisers:
- REPAIR Project, based at the Department of Anthropology, University of Amsterdam;
- Amsterdam Centre for Conflict Studies (ACCS).
Event Source: reparations research