Angola hosts international seminar on historical reparations
Mbanza Kongo will host the III International Seminar on Historical Reparations from November 9 to 14.
Angola will host the III International Seminar on Historical Reparations in Mbanza Kongo, Zaire province, from November 9 to 14. The event, held as Angola approaches its 51st independence anniversary on November 11, aims to position the country on the path to historical reparations.
Tânia de Carvalho, president of the Angolan Association Osoko, stated that Mbanza Kongo was chosen as the seminar's location because it was where the first slave ships arrived. The seminar, organized with the International Committee for Reparations, seeks to create a document for the African Union and the United Nations, which previously classified the slave trade as a crime against humanity.
De Carvalho explained that historical reparations for Angola should begin with Portugal recognizing the crimes committed. She noted that while many African nations are achieving progress in reparations, Angola is initiating this debate to define its process. The seminar will gather specialists, academics, politicians, and activists to conceptualize the reparations process.
Why it mattersAngolans affected by poverty and historical injustices will have their country initiating a debate on reparations.