Latest news with #ECOSOCC
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Civil Society Shaping a Reparative Future for Africa
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 7, 2025, the Civil Society Forum of the African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and the 2025 Interregional Dialogue of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) commenced at the Sipopo International Conference Center in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The forum's key points will be included in the final communiqué of the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, held under the 2025 theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations", scheduled for July 11–13, 2025. The panel discussion "The Role of Civil Society in a Future Rooted in Reparative Justice" brought together over 200 participants and served as a foundational dialogue of the forum. Central to the debates—both in formal sessions and informal discussions—were potential mechanisms for colonial reparations to African nations by former colonizing powers. Thus, the basic reparations model involves calculating the unpaid labor of enslaved Africans. Applying this framework to the transatlantic slave trade: if 12.5 million Africans worked for 10 years without pay, with an estimated historical wage of $5 per day, the total amounts to over $2 trillion—excluding interest and compound growth. An alternative model assesses the resources extracted during the colonial period. Between 1880 and 1960, European powers extracted billions in agricultural products, minerals, and taxes. For instance, some estimates suggest Britain drained over £100 billion (in today's value) from India. Similar calculations for Africa place colonial extractions between $4 and $6 trillion, accounting for lost revenues, forced labor, and the long-term effects of chronic underinvestment. Discussions also explored the possibility of establishing a Global Reparations Fund, financed through: State contributions from former colonial powers, Windfall taxes on corporations that profited from exploitation, Climate levies on polluters in Global North countries. Kwesi Pratt Jr., a member of the International Coordinating Committee of the Pan-African Progressive Front and Director of Pan African Television, presented his book "History, Struggle, Politics, and the Case for Reparations" at the forum. Published in June 2025 with a foreword by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the book offers a comprehensive study of the reparations movement, integrating historical, political, legal, and social perspectives. Pratt seeks to bridge the divides in reparations discourse, which often frames them as either a purely political, legal, or compensatory endeavor. "No amount of money can repay the millions of lives lost in the transatlantic slave trade. Reparations are about restoring our world," Pratt stated. The book examines key historical milestones, such as the Pan-African Congresses, as well as contemporary initiatives like CARICOM's reparations campaign. It also provides practical guidance for civil society on mobilizing global support for reparative justice. Pratt expressed hope that his work would serve as a catalyst for a unified Pan-African movement, inspiring new generations of activists. Dr. Catherine Brooks, Partnership Specialist at the UNDP's African Facility for Support to Inclusive Transitions (AFSA), highlighted that transitional periods—whether post-conflict or following unconstitutional government changes—present a unique opportunity to renegotiate social contracts. Ambassador Amr Aljowaily, Director of the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AU Commission, emphasized the institutional foundations of reparative justice. He referenced AU decisions that provide a mandate and framework for civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate. "ECOSOCC and CIDO are platforms specifically designed to enable civil society to shape the Union's agenda. The Year's Theme is not a one-off event but a long-term commitment," stated Aljowaily, stressing the importance of partnerships, including collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Makmid Kamara, Executive Director of Reform Initiatives, called for replacing traditional human rights education with reparative education that acknowledges historical crimes against Africans. "Reparative justice is not charity—it is a right. We must revive African consciousness, reconnect the continent with its diaspora, and restore stolen lands to their people," Kamara asserted, highlighting the psychosocial dimensions of reparations. Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Civil Society Forum of the African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)
Zawya
01-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Launches 'My Africa, My Future' Civil Society Compendium to amplify Civil Society Organization (CSO) justice and reparations initiatives
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union (AU) has officially launched the 'My Africa, My Future' Civil Society Compendium—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at showcasing the powerful role civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa and the diaspora play in advancing justice and reparations. The Compendium is part of ECOSOCC's commitment to strengthening the African Union's connection with its people and is aligned with the AU's 2025 Theme of the Year, 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.' The 'My Africa My Future Compendium' (MAMF) was conceived 25th May 2025, as part of the Africa Day commemoration. The Compendium represents ECOSOCC's commitment to make civil society visible, valued, and heard. This initiative creates a space for civil society to tell its own stories, share its solutions, and shape continental and global policy conversations from the grassroots. As a digital and physical repository of civic excellence, My Africa, My Future will catalogue a wide range of impactful CSO-led initiatives, encourage interregional learning, and build a legacy of civil society action that will inform Africa's development for years to come. 'With 'My Africa, My Future,' we are not only documenting action, but we are also acknowledging and elevating the indispensable role of civil society in shaping Africa's future,' said William Carew, ECOSOCC's Head of Secretariat. 'This Compendium is a platform for recognition, and above all, for solidarity. It's time the world hears the collective voice of African civil society on justice and reparations—clear, united, and unstoppable.' The initiative invites CSOs from across Africa and the global African diaspora to submit their work, with a focus on projects that champion justice and reparative action. Selected contributions will be featured in the inaugural edition of the Compendium and serve as inspiration for replication, scaling, and policy alignment. Through this initiative, ECOSOCC aims to: Spotlight diverse CSO-led initiatives aligned with the AU 2025 Theme of the Year; Promote interregional learning by sharing replicable models and strategies; Build a lasting archive of civil society contributions across Africa and the diaspora; Amplify the collective impact of CSOs, activists, researchers, and communities under ECOSOCC. In the exercise of its mandate of connecting the African Union, ECOSOCC champions numerous initiatives throughout the year; be it through advocacy or awareness raising, ECOSOCC has always been at the forefront of bringing AU policies and programmes at the grassroots. As a result of these engagements, many CSOs have reported, quite sporadically though, to ECOSOCC about their very laudable programs to support the AU's Agenda 2063 but most importantly, the annual AU Theme of the Year. Join the Movement. Shape the Narrative. Share Your Impact. To contribute to the 'My Africa, My Future' Compendium, CSOs are encouraged to visit and submit their initiatives for inclusion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) hosts training to equip Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy tools to influence peace and security policy across Africa
The African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has concluded a three-day training session in Accra, Ghana, aimed at equipping Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy techniques and strategic policy engagement within the Conflict Management Cycle. This initiative, part of the EU-APSA IV Programme, reflects growing momentum to ensure civil society's structured involvement in African Union peace and security policy formulation and implementation. The high-impact initiative was designed to equip CSOs with advocacy and policy engagement skills necessary to influence decision-making at regional and continental levels and to strengthen their understanding of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the Conflict Management Cycle. The training, which drew participants from across the continent, underscored ECOSOCC' s commitment to empowering civil society as a cornerstone of Africa's peace and security agenda, in line with the Livingstone Formula. Officially opening the training, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the African Union, Dr. Robert Afriyie, shared his experiences from a global perspective, highlighting Accra's historical legacy as a cradle of Pan-African unity and democratic participation, and the critical role of CSOs. 'I have seen firsthand how CSOs shape narratives and influence peace processes. CSOs have demonstrated their immense power to foster peace. Our training here is about more than technical skills; it is about nurturing an unwavering commitment to objective, consistent advocacy for Africa's future,' Amb. Afriyie stressed. Amb. Afriyie stressed the need for objective observation, careful separation of short-term narratives from long-term truths, and the importance of working collectively ('our' vs. 'theirs'), in approaching peace and development efforts. He quoted Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma's visionary 'Email from the Future,' emphasizing that the peace of Africa is not only a precondition but a determinant of its development. Mr. William Carew, Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat, stressed the importance of collective effort in peacebuilding, saying, 'The scourge of conflict constitutes a major obstacle to Africa's socio-economic development. Peace, security, and stability are prerequisites for integration and growth. This training is not just timely; it is critical. We are here to equip CSOs with practical advocacy techniques and policy engagement strategies to ensure your voices are heard, your evidence is valid, and your solutions are integrated into policy frameworks.' Mr. Carew also highlighted how civil society actors are central to bringing life to the principles of intervention, resolution, and reconstruction embedded within the APSA, stressing, 'Conflicts in Africa are complex, rooted in deep historical, political, and economic realities. Those most affected — the communities — must not be excluded from the solutions.' Mr. Emmanuel Nzunda, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), reinforced the call for inclusive conflict prevention and resolution, stating: 'Africa continues to grapple with security challenges with marginalized groups like women and children suffering the most. Inclusive peacebuilding is not optional; it is essential for achieving the goals of the AU's Agenda 2063. Trade unions and CSOs must be recognized as pivotal players in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.' He referenced concrete examples where CSO involvement led to successful conflict prevention outcomes and stressed the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships across Member States and AU organs. Adding to the discussion, Mr. Boniface Cheembe, ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster Chair, emphasized the evolving security threats facing Africa, from asymmetric warfare to violent extremism. 'As civil society, we must strengthen our expertise to engage effectively within existing continental frameworks. Popular participation is not a privilege; it is a right. We are the fourth estate, providing alternative voices for peace, security, and social justice across the continent,' he emphasized. The three-day training included sessions on stakeholder mapping, evidence-based advocacy, AU policy entry points, and message framing for impact. Participants also developed practical action plans for influencing AU and Member State policy, to be integrated into a workshop outcome document. This training combined theoretical and practical sessions to ensure that participating organizations leave empowered to contribute to Africa's peace and security goals. As part of the training, the participants also paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) on the third day, welcomed by Secretary General Mr. Arezki Mezhoud. This visit underscored ECOSOCC's commitment to fostering collaboration and enhancing civil society engagement within Africa's peace and security architecture. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
African leaders to push for slavery reparations despite resistance
By Catarina Demony (Reuters) - 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. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 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. "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 has 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.
Reuters
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
African leaders to push for slavery reparations despite resistance
Summary African Union leaders to hold talks on reparations at summit Leaders hope to shape 'unified vision' Debate includes land restitution, return of cultural artefacts Right-wing populists oppose discussion of compensation Feb 13 (Reuters) - 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. "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 has 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.
