Namibia Marks Africa Day with Call for Reparative Justice and Pan-African Solidarity. Namibians gathered in unity at the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek on Sunday, 25 May 2025, to commemorate Africa Day under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” The event drew a wide cross-section of attendees, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the World Federation of Democratic Youth, and citizens from across the country.
In her keynote address, Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Lucia Witbooi, emphasized that the theme was both timely and necessary, as African nations continue to push for dignity, economic independence, and equitable development. “Today is not only about justice for Africans and reparations,” she said, “it is also a day to reflect on our collective priorities and recommit to Africa’s aspirations for socio-economic empowerment, driven by our own initiatives.”
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Cde. Gonçalo Lopes, President of the World Federation of Democratic Youth, called Africa Day a time for reflection and renewed resolve. “We remember the struggles against colonialism, apartheid, and exploitation. Today, we recommit to the vision of a peaceful, just continent—shaped by its youth and rooted in the hopes of its people,” he stated.
Ambassador Penda Naanda, Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, underlined that reparations are not about revenge, but restoration. He highlighted the need for cultural restitution, fair trade, and socio-economic investment as pathways toward correcting historical injustices. “Reparative justice is about recognising the equal humanity and agency of people of African descent worldwide,” he said.
The celebration was jointly organised by the Namibian Government and African diplomatic missions based in Namibia, reinforcing the call for unity, justice, and self-defined progress across the continent.
