African Leaders Urged To Embrace Unity, Justice, Reparations

As Africa marks Africa Day 2025, prominent voices call for renewed commitment to unity, justice, and internal transformation.

In a strongly worded statement, HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos, President of the United Africa Royal Assembly (UARA) and Pan-African Parliament Ambassador for Traditional Affairs and Governance, emphasised that Africa’s journey to freedom and dignity remains incomplete.

“This year’s theme, ‘Justice and Reparations for People of African Descent’, is more than symbolic,” Prince Estifanos said. “It challenges us to acknowledge the deep wounds inflicted by centuries of colonisation and exploitation—and to take responsibility for healing ourselves and our systems.”

Africa Day, commemorated every May 25, marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, the forerunner of today’s African Union (AU). It serves as a moment to reflect on the continent’s shared struggles for liberation and aspirations for unity and development.

In his Africa Day message, Prince Estifanos praised the visionaries who pioneered Pan-African unity but warned that the dream of a fully liberated and prosperous Africa is still far from reality.

“Africa’s house is not yet in order,” he stated. “From the corridors of power to the streets of our towns and villages, we continue to grapple with disunity, weak governance, and economic exclusion.”

He highlighted the plight of millions of African youths who remain unemployed and disillusioned, not due to lack of ability, but because of leadership failures and entrenched inequality. He stressed that Africa cannot invite its diaspora to return if the continent itself is not made a place of hope and opportunity.

For practical steps beyond annual celebrations, Prince Estifanos urged African governments to commit to real Pan-Africanism—grounded in shared values, cooperation, and inclusive governance.

“We must stop using slogans to cover up dysfunction,” he said. “True justice and reparations begin when Africans start treating each other fairly, respectfully, and accountably—across borders, tribes, and tongues.”

Across the continent, this year’s Africa Day celebrations have included cultural events, educational forums, and policy dialogues centred on historical reparations, diaspora engagement, and the role of traditional institutions in modern governance.

Prince Estifanos concluded with a call to action: “Let us use this Africa Day not just to celebrate, but to commit ourselves anew—to build, heal, and secure a future worthy of our children. Africa is our only home. It is ours to fix.”

As calls for reparations gain momentum globally, African voices like Prince Estifanos remind the continent that external justice must be matched by internal transformation—if Africa is to rise truly.