UN Chief Demands Justice & Reparations for Africa: ‘Colonialism’s Poisoned Legacies Must End'

By: Manoah Kikekon 

António Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful call for global reparations and justice for Africans and the diaspora, condemning centuries of exploitation rooted in slavery and colonialism.  

Speaking at the Africa Dialogue Series in New York, Guterres expressed deep regret over the "colossal injustices" inflicted on Africa, including the transatlantic slave trade and colonial oppression, which continue to fuel inequality today.  

Guterres emphasized that while Africa brims with potential, systemic racism and exploitative structures persist long after formal colonialism ended.  

"Decolonization did not free African nations from the systems built to oppress them," he declared. "The UN itself was founded while many African countries were still colonies."

  

The push for reparatory justice is growing worldwide, highlighted by the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2035). Over 30 countries have already reformed laws to combat racial discrimination, but Guterres stressed that far more action is needed. 

"We don’t revisit this painful history to divide, but to heal," he said.  

General Assembly President Philémon Yang echoed the need for historical reckoning, urging nations to integrate Africa’s true history into education and memorials like the Ark of Return at UN Headquarters.  

This year’s dialogue, aligning with the African Union’s 2025 theme, underscores the urgent demand for justice through reparations a critical step toward dismantling centuries of systemic disadvantage.  

(NAN)