Algerian Ambassador Advocates for Reparations for Colonial Era Atrocities

Accra: Mr. Mourad Louhaidia, the Algerian Ambassador to Ghana, has reiterated the urgent need for reparations to address the injustices meted out to Africans during the colonial era. The Ambassador highlighted the prolonged suffering endured by African people, encompassing slavery, trade exploitation, apartheid, and genocide, which resulted in numerous deaths and cultural alienation.According to Ghana News Agency, the Algerian envoy made these remarks at the launch of a photo exhibition on the ills of slavery and colonialism, held at the Headquarters of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) in Accra. The exhibition was part of the activities marking the celebration of AU Day 2025, organized by the African Group of Ambassadors accredited to Ghana.The Ambassador emphasized that the demand for reparations was not merely a historical grievance but an inalienable right for African people. He noted that the African Union had consistently supported this cause since its inception and pointed out t hat the AU officially designated 2025 as the 'Year of Reparation' and 'Year of Justice for Africans Descent through Reparation.'Ambassador Louhaidia stated, "The idea is that this right for reparation is an inalienable right for the African people for the harms and damages that they were subject." He further added that the colonial powers should compensate the African people for the harm they suffered.He mentioned plans for a photo exhibition to visually demonstrate the historical suffering and underscore the legitimacy of the demand for reparations. The exhibition aimed to educate younger and future generations about Africa's painful past and the rationale behind the continent's call for compensation. "We want through this exhibition that the young and the future generation remember this suffering and understand why African countries are asking for reparation," he said.The Ambassador stressed that the exhibition would showcase the suffering of all African nations that had experienced colonialism, apart heid, and various atrocities.