The opening of the session, held in Gauteng province, aligns with the African Union's theme for 2025: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent". This year’s focus on reparations signals a momentous shift in the continent's long-standing struggle for recognition of its historical injustices.

Alhaji Mbow, Chair of the Western Africa Caucus of the PAP says that the Parliament would be addressing issues far beyond financial compensation; the demand for reparations also includes the return of priceless African artefacts, many of which remain in Western museums and private collections, a reminder of the colonial pillaging of the continent’s cultural heritage.

“This is a historic moment,” Mbow stated. “The Pan-African Parliament is now more unified than ever in our call for reparations. This isn’t just about money, it’s about dignity, justice, and the restitution of our cultural identity.”

The sitting also marked the swearing-in of new members, with Mbow calling for a renewed focus on reparations, an issue he believes has been largely sidelined in past years. As a veteran of the PAP, Mbow noted that the Parliament’s lack of progress on reparations has been due in part to budget constraints, which have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He revealed that the PAP's budget has been slashed by more than 50% in recent years, severely limiting its capacity to engage in meaningful fieldwork and consultations across African nations. Despite these challenges, Mbow stressed the importance of African countries contributing fully to the African Union’s funding needs, asserting that the continent must not rely on external donors.

“As Africans, we must take full ownership of our institutions and the resources that support them. If we are to see real change, we must start with ourselves,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--