The issue of reparations has once again come to the forefront of public debate in Senegal. In a recent episode of “Géopolitique international” on Afrique Media, political analyst and journalist Abdoulaye Mbow shared his perspective. According to him, the fight for reparations is not merely about the past, but a key to Africa’s future sovereignty and intellectual independence.
“If we truly obtain reparations, it will be a form of recognition of our historical struggle and, at the same time, a step toward freedom of thought and collective self-awareness,” Mbow said. He emphasized that Africa is still perceived differently by Europe, not as an equal partner, and this perception continues to hinder the continent’s full realization of its independence.
The expert believes that the struggle for reparations should not be limited to heads of state, but must begin with initiatives from intellectuals, civil society, and broad coalitions of African communities: “There must be unified strategic communication: yes, this is Africa speaking, and it is Africa who should represent itself.”
Mbow also focused on the role of regional bodies such as the African Union and ECOWAS. In his view, these organizations are in urgent need of reform: “What real influence does the African Union have? These structures still contain Western presence, which calls their genuine independence into question.”
He called for a complete rethinking of the role of pan-African institutions and the need to equip them with a true “African strike force” — in both substance and mindset. Only then, he argued, can we speak of genuine, not symbolic, decolonization.
Thus, the debate over reparations has become a catalyst for wider discussion touching on many aspects of modern African politics. Calls for historical justice have echoed across the continent this year, and perhaps they will now inspire both activists and governments to move from words to action.
