African Faith Actors held a consultation on Reparatory Justice Ahead of AU Heads of State and Government Summit
In Partnership with Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Act Alliance, Christian Aid, and Norwegian Church Aid, the All Africa Conference of Churches convened faith actors in Africa for a pre-African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government Summit consultation on Reparatory Justice. This consultation took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 12 to 13 February 2025, running parallel to the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council. The consultation was attended by AU-CIDO, diplomats, development experts, theologians, lawyers, civil society organizations, and representatives from the Diaspora.
Delegates reflected on the faith perspectives on reparatory justice to establish consensus within the African Church around the matter and create alignment across denominations, regions, and globally. In his welcome remarks, the AACC General Secretary, Rev Dr Fidon Mwombeki congratulated the AACC and its partners for initiating the conversation on reparatory justice and reiterated that the process will amplify the prophetic voice of the Church and contribute immensely to the ongoing conversations on the matter at the AU level.
The consultation noted that the Church’s role in the conversation on reparatory justice is critical and emphasized the need for the Church and all faith actors to not only be actively involved in the AU and global conversations on reparatory justice but also utilize their resources and facilities to facilitate racial healing. Led by the Director for AACC’s Liaison office to the African Union, Consultation delegates also paid courtesy visits to some of the Embassies in Addis Ababa to appreciate ongoing global efforts promoting reparatory Justice and racial healing. Following this meeting, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government will be convening in Addis Ababa on 15th and 16th February for their 38th Ordinary Session on the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.
In the photo: Participants during the opening ceremony of the consultation [Courtesy - Justice Oman]
