Africa Day: May 25, 2025

In a statement issued Thursday, May 22, ahead of the day to be observed under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, CCJPZ officials advocate for transformation rooted in the power of Christ’s resurrection. “Africans and people of African descent have faced profound and far-reaching historical injustices, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, and genocide,” they say in the statement.

CCJPZ officials add, “These injustices have had a lasting impact on African societies and economies, perpetuating systemic inequalities and injustices”. They call on all people of goodwill to join them 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,” CCJPZ officials say. They further call on those who caused the injustices to Africans to “address the historical injustices and promote healing, justice, and reconciliation.”

CCJPZ officials further recommend “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, and memorialization and commemoration of the struggles and triumphs of African people.”

“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,” they say. CCJPZ officials 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.”

Reflecting on the yearlong Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Commission underscore the Church's role in “providing hope to African people who have endured centuries of injustices”. “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,” they explain, adding, “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.”

CCJPZ officials further say, “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”. They implore, “May the gift of Christ's peace silence the guns ravaging our nations, plundering our resources, maiming our future, 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.”

Celebrated annually on May 25, Africa Day commemorates the creation of the Organization of African Unity, currently the African Union (AU).

Jude Atemanke – ACI Africa

See also: On Africa Day, Young People Urged to Arise, Join “decision-making table of human endeavor”