By Mohammed Bello Doka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government. The high-level summit, taking place from February 15 to 16, 2025, brings together African leaders to discuss pressing issues affecting the continent, from economic development to security and political stability.
This year’s theme, “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and Payment of Reparations to Africans,” highlights a long-standing but often sidelined debate—Africa’s demand for reparations from former colonial powers. The call for justice is rooted in the continent’s painful history of slavery, colonial exploitation, and economic sabotage by Western nations. While the discussion is commendable, many critics argue that the AU has historically struggled to translate such ambitious themes into tangible action.
The AU’s Endless Summits and Limited Progress
Founded in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the African Union was meant to be a powerful force for continental unity and self-determination. However, over the years, it has been plagued by bureaucratic inefficiency, lack of strong leadership, and a failure to enforce its own policies. While the AU remains a critical platform for diplomatic engagement, its impact on real change across Africa has been inconsistent at best.
One of the biggest criticisms of the AU is its inability to effectively respond to crises. From the persistent security challenges posed by terrorism in the Sahel and East Africa to the wave of military coups destabilizing West Africa, the AU’s response has often been weak or reactionary. Its peacekeeping efforts, though notable, have lacked the funding and commitment needed to truly bring stability to conflict-ridden areas.
Moreover, the AU’s economic integration efforts have faced significant hurdles. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021 with high expectations, is yet to fully take off due to logistical, political, and infrastructural challenges among member states. While leaders routinely discuss economic partnerships and regional trade, actual progress remains slow.
Tinubu’s Role and Nigeria’s Influence
President Tinubu’s participation in this summit is crucial for Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. Nigeria has historically played a leadership role in the AU, particularly in peacekeeping and regional diplomacy. However, in recent years, the country’s influence in the organization has waned due to internal challenges, including economic difficulties, security concerns, and governance issues.
At the summit, Tinubu is expected to push for policies that align with Nigeria’s national interests, including economic reforms, security cooperation, and enhanced trade relations with African partners. Given Nigeria’s own struggles with inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and social unrest, his stance on economic issues will be closely scrutinized. Will Nigeria champion a more aggressive push for debt relief and investment in Africa, or will it remain passive as Western economic powers continue to dictate the terms of engagement?
The Election of a New AU Commission Leader
A key highlight of the summit was the election of Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as the new leader of the African Union Commission. His election comes at a time when the AU is under pressure to prove its relevance in addressing Africa’s most pressing issues. Many are hopeful that Youssouf will bring fresh energy to the commission, but others remain skeptical, pointing out that the AU’s problems are structural rather than individual.
Reparations: A Realistic Demand or Political Rhetoric?
While the call for reparations is justified, the practicality of such demands remains uncertain. Many former colonial powers, including Britain and France, have shown little willingness to engage in meaningful reparations talks. In 2022, Germany acknowledged its colonial-era atrocities in Namibia and agreed to a compensation deal, but critics argued that the amount—€1.1 billion spread over 30 years—was insufficient.
The AU’s challenge will be to move beyond rhetoric and establish a clear framework for demanding reparations, possibly through legal channels at the International Court of Justice or by leveraging Africa’s collective economic power in negotiations. However, given Africa’s fragmented leadership and the individual interests of its leaders, achieving a united front on this issue will be an uphill battle.
Beyond Reparations: What Else Needs to Change?
While discussions on reparations are important, they should not overshadow the urgent need for African leaders to address the continent’s internal challenges. The AU must go beyond speeches and implement real economic policies that empower African nations. This includes:
- Strengthening regional trade and industrialization: African countries must reduce reliance on foreign imports and invest in local manufacturing and agricultural value chains.
- Tackling corruption and governance failures: Many African governments are plagued by mismanagement and corruption, which hinder economic progress.
- Investing in security and peacekeeping: Without stability, no economic policy or development plan can succeed. The AU must take a stronger stance against terrorism, coups, and insurgencies.
Conclusion: Can the AU Deliver?
As African leaders conclude their discussions in Addis Ababa, the real test will be what happens after they return to their respective countries. Will this summit be another high-profile gathering with little to show for it, or will it mark a turning point for Africa’s collective progress?
For President Tinubu, the summit offers a chance to reassert Nigeria’s leadership in Africa. However, his participation must go beyond mere attendance—Nigeria must take the lead in pushing for policies that have real impact. The AU, for all its flaws, remains Africa’s best hope for unity and development. But until its leaders move beyond grand speeches and take decisive action, the vision of a prosperous Africa will remain just that—a vision.
