African Union adopts “Algiers Declaration” on colonial crimes in the continent

The African Union, during its 39th summit held Sunday in Addis Ababa, adopted the “Algiers Declaration” on colonial crimes in Africa. This move serves as a contribution to continental efforts to criminalize colonialism and demand reparations, while designating November 30 as an African day to honor martyrs and victims of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and apartheid.

The African Union expressed its appreciation to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for this initiative. The adoption of the declaration followed the international conference on colonial crimes in Africa, held on November 30 and December 1, 2025, in Algiers. This initiative aligns with the decisions of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government regarding the 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

The declaration was adopted to support continental efforts in criminalizing colonialism and seeking compensation. The designation of November 30 as a day of remembrance for African martyrs and victims of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and apartheid underscores the importance of collective memory as a foundation for recognition, justice, and the prevention of future occurrences.

The “Algiers Declaration” calls on former colonial powers to fully assume their historical responsibilities through public and explicit recognition of past injustices. It also proposes the establishment of an African platform for environmental justice to identify affected areas, assess damages, support the involved nations, and formulate continental recommendations for rehabilitation and compensation.

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