CONTENDING PERSPECTIVES ON REPARATION PAYMENT AND THE WAY FORWARD FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
This paper examined the clamour for reparations; it maintained that the demand for reparations in Africa stems from a long history of colonial exploitation, slavery and systemic economic deprivation. It argues that reparations are necessary to address the lingering effects of historical injustices. Various forms of reparations have been proposed, which include financial payments, institutional development, debt relief, and formal apologies. The paper acknowledges major concerns, including the complexity of determining fair compensation, the identification of multiple global actors involved after several years, structural economic imbalance, and governance deficiencies that persist in many African nations today. The study adopts a qualitative analytical methodology and utilises the historical method of data collection based on textual content analysis. Findings indicate that in spite of concerted efforts made globally for African Reparations, there exists an overt lack of pinpointable evidence yet to prove that the African slave traders are willing to make formal atonement for their sins. The paper adopts the Dependency Theory, which posits that the underdevelopment of Africa, for instance, was the result of historical economic exploitation, colonialism, and neo-colonialism, in which core nations exerted economic and political control over peripheral nations (such as Africa). The study, however, questions whether external compensation is the most effective means of achieving economic and social progress. By analysing historical precedents and contemporary strategies, this study explores alternative pathways for strengthening Africa's economic and political development. Ultimately, it seeks to reframe the conversation on reparation by advocating for self-driven development initiatives as the cornerstone of the African future, while acknowledging the devastating effects of slavery and colonialism. The study recommends, among others, internal policy reforms, strategic self-reliance, resource control, and the intelligent use of local resources for development, which might be the salvation of Africa.
