Zimbabwe has reiterated its unwavering commitment to global justice, reparatory justice, and African solidarity during the Second African Union-Caribbean Community (AU-CARICOM) Summit held yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The high-level summit, convened under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, brought together Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats, and representatives from civil society to discuss coordinated efforts towards historical redress, sustainable development, and inclusive prosperity.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, represented His Excellency President Mnangagwa at the summit and delivered a strong message calling for unity between Africa, the Caribbean, and the African Diaspora in the pursuit of reparatory justice.
Hon Ziyambi said the issue of reparations for slavery, colonialism, and apartheid is not only a moral obligation but a political and economic imperative for the continent and its people.
“We must establish a Transcontinental Partnership Framework that unites Africa, the Caribbean, and the global African Diaspora in pursuit of justice and empowerment,” he said.
Zimbabwe expressed full support for the establishment of a Reparations Joint Mechanism, which will consolidate strategies and present a unified position on reparations at global forums.
“We cannot speak of development without acknowledging the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. Reparations must include formal apologies, debt cancellation, and inclusive development that uplifts historically marginalised communities,” said Hon Ziyambi.0
Zimbabwe also joined fellow African Union member states in calling for permanent African representation in global governance institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council and the G20.
“Zimbabwe stands firm in its belief that Africa must be heard and represented where decisions affecting our future are made,” he added.
The AU-CARICOM Summit supports the goals outlined in Agenda 2063 and the CARICOM Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, both of which advocate for social justice, prosperity, and equitable development for people of African descent.
Hon Ziyambi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to driving national development through investment in infrastructure, industrialisation, and job creation, in line with its broader reparatory justice agenda.
“The time for action is now. We must move beyond rhetoric and build mechanisms that deliver real change for our people,” he said.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from participating nations to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean and to work collectively in the pursuit of justice and inclusive development.
