Ruto Urges Africa and CARICOM to Strengthen Reparations Push
Prime Minister Abiy urged Africa and the Caribbean to focus on cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, technology, culture, leadership,
The President stressed that the huge debt burden on the majority of African and Caribbean nations has its origin in colonial exploitation. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto has urged Africa and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to intensify their campaign for reparatory justice for slavery and colonialism. Speaking at the Africa-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he said that the two regions must unite to drive action on historical injustices.
Ruto called for enhanced backing for the Africa-CARICOM Reparations Working Group, saying it needs more resources if it is to bear fruit. He also called for joint efforts at the United Nations to secure a resolution that places reparatory justice firmly on the global stage.
The President stressed that the huge debt burden on the majority of African and Caribbean nations has its origin in colonial exploitation. He stated that relief on this front is essential if a more balanced future is to be achieved. He also proposed deeper cultural and educational exchanges to preserve common history and get the younger generations to carry the struggle forward.
“By working together and forging common strategies, we can make reparations not only answer historical injustices but also inequalities of the present and opportunities of the future,” Ruto continued.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, African Union Chair and President of Angola João Lourenço, African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett were some of the attendees at the summit.
Ruto reminded delegates that reparations are not necessarily monetary. They are also about restoring dignity, honouring resilience, and correcting the ills left behind by slavery and colonialism. He used Kenya’s 2013 agreement with Britain, which acknowledged the torture of Mau Mau fighters, as proof that justice—though delayed—is possible.
Prime Minister Abiy urged Africa and the Caribbean to focus on cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, technology, culture, leadership, and health. He also urged improved transport and trade links to enhance movement of people, goods, and ideas.
President Lourenço called for reconsideration of visa restrictions both in Africa and the Caribbean to allow cooperation. Youssouf, the AUC Chair, called for the former colonial powers to acknowledge their crimes, pay reparations, and put an end to systemic injustices.
Dr. Barnett explained that both regions must merge their strengths to generate prosperity. She indicated that Africa and the Caribbean possess a loud voice and must demand justice for colonialism and the trauma of the transatlantic slave trade exploitation.
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