The First Pan-African Conference on Reparations

The first 'Pan-African Conference on Reparations' is held on 27-29 April 1993, leading to the issuing of the Abuja Proclamation. Sponsored by the Group of Eminent Persons (GEP) and the Commission for Reparations of the Organization of African Unity, the first 'Pan-African Conference on Reparations' is held on 27-29 April 1993, leading to the issuing of the Abuja Proclamation. This proclamation represents a key moment in the contemporary history of reparations efforts. It acted as a catalyst revitalizing reparation movements by calling ‘upon the international community to recognize that there is a unique and unprecedented moral debt owed to the Afrikan peoples which has yet to be paid’ (Abuja Proclamation, 1993). It also calls for the return of stolen goods (notably the Benin bronzes), the cancellation of debt and the need to give Africa greater powers and representation in key decision-making bodies, notably the United Nations' Security Council.