rki.news | Source: Xinhua
Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed calls for slavery reparations, urging global action to support Africa’s development and ease rising debt burdens as the continent marks Africa Month.
In a weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said centuries of exploitation and resource extraction have left deep economic scars across African nations. He stressed that reparations should go beyond financial compensation to include increased foreign investment, improved market access, and meaningful economic partnerships.
The president also called for technology transfers, skills development, and the unconditional return of cultural artifacts taken during colonial rule, many of which remain in foreign museums. He argued that such measures are essential to correcting historical injustices and enabling sustainable growth.
Ramaphosa linked Africa’s current debt challenges to the long-term effects of slavery and colonial exploitation, noting that immense wealth was accumulated by colonial powers through forced labor and resource extraction.
His remarks follow a recent United Nations General Assembly resolution recognizing slavery as a grave crime against humanity and calling for reparatory justice, including apologies and restitution.
Ramaphosa emphasized that addressing these historical injustices is key to advancing economic justice, strengthening development, and securing a more equitable future for African nations.