Algeria Leads Global Push for Historical Justice as it Hosts International Conference on Colonial Crimes in Africa
Algeria is set to host a major international conference focused on the crimes of colonialism in Africa, marking a significant step in the continent’s broader movement for historical justice, reparations, and the preservation of collective memory. The event aligns with the African Union’s Theme of the Year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” and represents a decisive effort to unite African states and global partners behind a shared agenda for accountability and restitution.
The conference is being organised in accordance with African Union Assembly Decision 903(XXXVIII), which endorsed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s proposal to convene a continental gathering dedicated to criminalizing colonialism, slavery, racial segregation and apartheid as crimes against humanity. Algeria’s leadership in this initiative stems from its own history as a country that endured severe colonial oppression and continues to champion the dignity and rights of African peoples.
Under President Tebboune’s guidance, Algeria aims to strengthen collective African action on issues of historical injustice. Officials highlight that the country is committed to advancing AU recommendations that address the enduring impacts of colonial crimes, including economic exploitation, cultural destruction, resource spoliation, and systemic racial discrimination. The initiative reinforces Algeria’s long-standing role as a defender of liberation movements and post-colonial justice efforts.
The conference will gather ministers, historians, jurists, academics and specialists from across Africa, the Caribbean and other regions. Its purpose is to consolidate a unified African position on reparations, restitution of cultural heritage, and the protection of collective memory. Delegates will explore the human, cultural, environmental, economic and legal dimensions of colonialism, including intergenerational trauma and inequitable economic structures inherited from the colonial era.
A major area of discussion will focus on environmental impacts such as nuclear testing conducted on African populations, as well as the legal frameworks needed to strengthen the global criminalization of colonial exploitation. Participants will also deliberate on establishing a permanent African mechanism dedicated to reparations and the restitution of cultural and historical heritage.
As host and initiator, Algeria intends to provide a high-level platform that enhances Africa’s architecture for historical justice and supports international recognition of colonial crimes. One of the key expected outcomes of the gathering is the adoption of the “Algiers Declaration,” a document intended to serve as a continental reference for codifying colonial crimes, recognizing their long-term impacts, and shaping a coordinated African strategy for reparations. The declaration is scheduled to be presented to the African Union Summit for endorsement.
Through this initiative, Algeria reaffirms its influential role within Africa and its commitment to advancing justice, reparations, and the preservation of historical memory. The country positions itself as a central advocate for restoring dignity, strengthening African identity, and promoting global accountability for colonial-era crimes.
Read in Urdu: الجزائر میں نوآبادیاتی جرائم پر بین الاقوامی کانفرنس، افریقہ کی تاریخی انصاف اور معاوضوں کی جدوجہد میں اہم پیش رفت
