Opinion

Meeting: Opening of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union at the African Union Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. February 17, 2024  Feb 13: African leaders meeting in Ethiopia this weekend are to launch a new push for slavery and colonial reparations, but can expect to be stonewalled by former colonial powers, most of which have ruled out making amends for historical wrongs. While the issue of reparations has gained momentum worldwide, so has the backlash. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he “doesn’t see it (reparations) happening,” and many of Europe’s leaders have opposed even talking about it. At the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, leaders plan to shape a “unified vision” of what reparations may look like, from financial compensation and formal acknowledgement of past wrongs to policy reforms. “Reparations is the hot topic in Addis Ababa,” the AU’s economic, social, and cultural council, ECOSOCC, wrote on X. From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by mostly European merchants, and sold into slavery. The debate on reparations needs to address the legacy of colonialism and slavery today, from racism to the economic disparities between Africa and wealthy Western nations, said ECOSOCC, which has been advising member states on the issue. “It is increasingly becoming impossible to not acknowledge the damage caused by slavery and colonialism,” said Zimbabwean lawyer and reparations expert, Alfred Mavedzenge. The continent’s debt crisis can be traced back to African nations being saddled with heavy debts upon independence. Climate change can also be linked to colonialism: Africa is responsible for just a fraction of carbon emissions, but its fragile ecosystems have borne the brunt of global warming. ‘MORE THAN JUST COMPENSATION’ Much of the debate around reparations, particularly in former colonial powers such as Britain and Portugal, has focused on financial payments, but advocates say making amends for the past can take many forms. M-23 rebels advanced into the heart of the Congolese city of Bukavu on Sunday, dealing a further blow to the government’s authority in the country’s east. “Reparations are more than just compensation,” said ECOSOCC’s head of secretariat, William Carew. “It is about… ensuring future generations inherit a world that acknowledges their past and propels them towards a brighter future.” The AU said in a statement that reparations for Africa could entail land restitution in countries where land was taken from indigenous populations to the return of cultural artefacts. It also highlighted the need for changes in policies that perpetuate inequalities and for international bodies, such as the United Nations, to hold former colonial powers to account. “This might involve diplomatic pressure or legal actions at international courts,” said the AU. In 2023, the AU joined forces with the Caribbean community, CARICOM, to demand reparations. CARICOM has its own reparation plan, which, among other demands, calls for technology transfers and investments to tackle health crises and illiteracy. RIGHT-WING BACKLASH But 30 years since the AU’s forerunner, the Organisation of African Unity, issued a declaration demanding reparations, there has been little progress. Jose Maria Neves, president of the African island nation of Cape Verde, has said right-wing populism and its impact on moderate politics have made it difficult to hold a serious debate over the issue. In Portugal, which enslaved more Africans than any other nation, far-right party Chega proposed charging the president with treason for suggesting there might be a need for reparations. In Britain, right-wing populist Nigel Farage said Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be “weak” if he engaged in talks on the issue. In France, where the far-right is on the rise, President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out reparations, calling for “reconciliation” instead. “My greatest concern is that there will just be a conversation at this (AU) summit, but the resolutions will not be implemented,” Mavedzenge said. Source: Reuters

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has consistently emphasized the importance of good governance and self-reliance for African nations. He advocates for Africans to work diligently towards economic independence to prevent external interference and control. At the 18th National Dialogue Conference (Umushyikirano) in 2023, Kagame stated that over-reliance on foreign assistance can lead to a loss of self-esteem and cultural identity, urging Africans to recognize their potential and work hard to develop their economies.  He also highlighted the need for African countries to actively participate in their development processes. In a 2016 discussion, he mentioned Rwanda’s approach to aid, emphasizing the country’s desire to have a say in how aid money is utilized, reflecting a commitment to self-reliance and long-term planning.  In line with promoting self-sufficiency, Kagame launched the Agaciro Development Fund in 2012. This solidarity fund aims to provide development finance sourced within Rwanda, supplementing foreign aid and focusing on projects that align with the country’s Vision 2020 program.  While Kagame’s leadership has been praised for fostering economic growth and stability, it has also faced criticism for authoritarian practices and human rights concerns. Critics argue that the successes of his governance have come at the expense of political freedoms and civil liberties.  CNN In summary, President Kagame’s perspective on African good governance and self-reliance centers on the belief that Africans must take charge of their development, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and implement effective governance practices to achieve sustainable progress. Also, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been a vocal advocate for Africa’s development, emphasizing the continent’s potential and the strategic actions required to harness it. Her insights encompass several key areas: Economic Growth and Trade Integration In her 2016 TED Talk, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted Africa’s significant economic progress, noting that the continent experienced robust growth rates, with some countries achieving up to 6% annual GDP growth. She attributed this success to improved macroeconomic policies, debt relief, and structural reforms. However, she also identified challenges such as infrastructure deficits, political instability, and inadequate job creation. To sustain and enhance growth, she advocated for diversification beyond natural resources, investment in infrastructure, and strengthening institutions to combat corruption. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of regional integration and global trade participation to boost economic resilience and development.  Digital Trade and Technological Advancement Recognizing the transformative potential of technology, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has urged African nations to develop robust digital trade regulations. She believes that embracing digital trade can enhance economic growth, create jobs, and improve competitiveness on the global stage. By investing in digital infrastructure and creating conducive regulatory environments, African countries can harness the benefits of the digital economy.  Global Trade Dynamics and Protectionism Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has expressed concern over rising protectionism in Western countries, highlighting its adverse effects on developing nations. She noted that increased trade restrictions and the stagnation of globalization since 2010 have widened the wealth gap between the Global North and South. Such protectionist measures can hinder the economic progress of African countries by limiting their access to global markets. She advocates for a balanced approach that considers the developmental needs of poorer nations while addressing environmental and strategic concerns.  Climate Change and Sustainable Development Addressing environmental challenges, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has called for a global carbon pricing system to prevent trade disputes over environmental measures. She emphasizes that without a coordinated approach, unilateral actions like the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism could lead to trade tensions and negatively impact developing countries. She advocates for a framework that accommodates regional differences in carbon pricing, aiming to align environmental objectives with fair trade practices.  Leadership and Institutional Reform Throughout her tenure at the WTO, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has prioritized reforms to make global trade more inclusive and equitable. She has focused on addressing issues such as fisheries subsidies, advancing agriculture negotiations, and reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system. Her leadership reflects a commitment to ensuring that global trade rules accommodate the interests of developing nations, providing them with opportunities to integrate more effectively into the world economy.  In summary, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s perspective on Africa’s development is multifaceted, emphasizing economic diversification, technological advancement, fair trade practices, environmental sustainability, and strong leadership. Her insights provide a strategic roadmap for African nations aiming to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in the global arena. Recent Insights from Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Global Trade and Development Sources: Le Monde Reuters Financial Times