By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Sierra Leone is set to be represented at the upcoming International Conference on Crimes of Colonialism in Africa, taking place in Algiers, Algeria, from November 30 to December 1, 2025. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba, will lead the nation’s delegation.
This high-profile event, convened by Algeria, is a direct response to the African Union (AU) Assembly Decision 903(XXXVIII), adopted in February 2025. The decision underscores Algeria’s commitment under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to orchestrate a continental forum aligned with the AU’s 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” Algeria’s unique history of resisting colonial rule shapes its role as a host for this significant gathering, which aims to uphold the rights and dignity of African peoples.
Participants at the conference will include ministers, historians, legal experts, and scholars from Africa and the Caribbean, all working together to forge a unified African stance on reparations and the restitution of cultural heritage. The discussions will delve into the myriad impacts of colonialism—ranging from human and cultural capital to legal and environmental consequences—addressing issues such as intergenerational trauma, resource exploitation, and the enduring legacies of inequality established during colonial rule.
Minister Kabba’s involvement highlights Sierra Leone’s dedication to engaging in broader dialogues about historical justice and reparations. Given the country’s own tumultuous past of enslavement and colonial exploitation, this conference presents an opportunity for Sierra Leone to advocate for collective African efforts aimed at acknowledging and redressing colonial injustices.
Key aims for the conference include strengthening diplomatic ties with other African and Caribbean nations, supporting the return of cultural artifacts removed during colonial times, and advancing legal frameworks conducive to reparative measures.
A significant outcome anticipated from the conference is the adoption of the Algiers Declaration, which will serve as an essential reference for addressing colonial crimes and developing an African reparations strategy. This document is slated for submission to the African Union Summit in February 2026 for official endorsement.
By hosting this pivotal conference, Algeria seeks to enhance Africa’s capacity for addressing historical justice and to foster global acknowledgment of colonial atrocities. With Minister Kabba’s representation, Sierra Leone is poised to actively contribute to shaping a shared African trajectory that prioritizes justice, truth, and the preservation of historical memory.
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