The 39th ordinary session of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit adopted on Sunday the “Algiers Declaration” on colonial crimes in Africa, while designating November 30 as Africa day for African martyrs.
The adoption of the “Algiers Declaration” comes as the culmination of the International Conference on Colonial Crimes in Africa, held on November 30 and December 1, 2025, in Algiers, as part of the implementation of the decisions of the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government concerning the African Union’s 2025 theme, titled “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
It was also decided to designate November 30 as Africa Day to commemorate African martyrs and victims of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and apartheid, emphasizing the importance of collective memory as a foundation for recognition, justice, and the prevention of recurrence.
The “Algiers Declaration” calls on former colonial powers to “fully assume their historical responsibilities through public and explicit acknowledgment of the committed injustices” and to establish an African Environmental Justice Platform tasked with identifying affected areas, assessing damages, supporting the countries concerned, and formulating continental recommendations for rehabilitation and reparations.
