Theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”
- Introduction
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ) joins the global community in commemorating Africa Day 2025 under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” As we reflect on the joys and the hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the African continent, in the light of the Gospel, we retrace the will of God, which defines our destiny as a resurrected people. We acknowledge the many historical and current injustices, welcoming the gift of Easter, the peace of Jesus Christ, to heal, release, and restore our beloved continent.
2. The Power of Easter
The grace of the Risen Lord brings transformation, restoration, and healing. As we continue with our journey in the Jubilee Year 2025 as “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded of the Church’s role in providing hope to African people who have endured centuries of injustices. May the gift of Christ’s peace silence the guns ravaging our nations, plundering our resources, maiming our future, and turning our people into refugees at home. May we be Christ’s peace to mend the continent’s broken hearts, hopes, and relationships so that we dignify the vulnerable and weaker in Africa.
May the Gospel give us the courage to acknowledge, face, and address the past and current injustice with loving hearts, promoting justice for Africa and the whole world. May the celebration of Africa bring reparations and ecological restoration, allowing the land and its people to heal. May this be the time we become missionaries to our people as its agents of healing, restoration, and justice.
The Church’s advocacy for reparations is a manifestation of the biblical call to justice, as we seek to defend the rights of the oppressed and promote the common good. By defending the oppressed and seeking justice, we can work towards healing the wounds of the past and promoting a more just and
equitable future for all. The highlights of the celebration of Africa should make the mission of Christ our own towards one another: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free…” (Luke 4: 18). There is a call for resetting the African mind that we are one family.
3. Historical Injustices
Africans and people of African descent have faced profound and far-reaching historical injustices, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide. These injustices have had a lasting impact on African societies and economies, perpetuating systemic inequalities and injustices.
4. Call to Action
We call on all people of goodwill to join us in advocating for justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent. We urge independent African governments to ensure that reparations benefit all people and promote the common good. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all, where the dignity of every person is respected and upheld.
5. Recommendations
To those who caused the injustices to Africans, we recommend the following measures to address the historical injustices and promote healing, justice, and reconciliation:
- Acknowledgment and apology for historical injustices
- Financial reparations and restitution of stolen assets
- Education and awareness programs to promote mutual understanding and respect
- Policy reforms to address ongoing systemic inequalities and injustices
- Memorialization and commemoration of the struggles and triumphs of African people
May this Africa Day mark a significant step towards a brighter future for Africans and people of African descent, and may we continue to journey together towards justice, peace, and reconciliation.