AFRICAN UNION LAUNCHES 2025 THEME: “JUSTICE FOR AFRICANS AND PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT THROUGH REPARATIONS”

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The African Union (AU) has officially launched its 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” at the ongoing 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the AU’s efforts to address the historical injustices inflicted upon Africans and people of African descent. The theme aims to mobilize political will and commitment to reparatory justice and racial healing.

Addressing the Union on Saturday February 15, at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama recapitulated that the theme will focus on several key areas, including reforming the global financial architecture, boosting intra-African trade, prioritizing value addition, fostering partnerships with the African diaspora, and accelerating African integration.

The AU has emphasized that the theme is not just a call to action, but a commitment to ensuring that Africans and people of African descent receive the justice and reparations they deserve. The launch was attended by high-ranking AU officials, heads of state, and representatives from civil society organizations across the continent.

A major highlight of the summit will be the election of the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as the incumbent, Faki Mahamat, steps down on February 15. Among the contenders for the position are:

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti) – Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, nominated by his country. Raila Odinga (Kenya) – Former Prime Minister of Kenya and AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018–2023), backed by several nations, including Algeria, Angola, and Botswana.

Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) – Former Foreign Minister, though he has received limited support so far.

Several candidates, including Anil Gayam (Mauritius), Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam (Somalia), and Vincent Meriton (Seychelles), have either withdrawn or been withdrawn by their respective countries. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of decisions and a closing ceremony.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.