Coming to Terms with the Past?

Reparations as a Test for Africa-Europe Relations by Dr. Karoline Eickhoff and Dr. Ueli Staeger

by Abubakar Bulama

In their article “Coming to Terms with the Past? Reparations as a Test for Africa-Europe Relations” (Megatrends Spotlight 44, 2025), Dr. Karoline Eickhoff and Dr. Ueli Staeger argue that reparations are not only about aid but also about morality, politics and healing. They use the African Union’s choice to make reparations for its theme for 2025 as a starting point to show how this debate can shape Africa-Europe relations. The best points that stand out in their work treating reparations as an opportunity, broadening them beyond financial aid and balancing material and emotional justice.
The first important contribution is how the authors present reparations as an opportunity rather than just a grievance. They explain that both Africa and Europe could use the reparations debate to confront difficult truths about history. Instead of being divisive it could create a space for reconciliation and renewed partnerships.

Second, they expand reparations beyond money. According to them, reparations can include point of actions like apologies, returning stolen cultural objects and even reforms such as debt relief. By showing these different forms they make it clear that reparations are as much about recognition and dignity as they are about compensation.

Lastly, the authors highlight the need to balance material and emotional justice. They point to examples like Germany’s talks with Namibia and Britain’s payments to Mau Mau victims in Kenya. In these cases, they show how financial compensation alone is not enough if the emotional weight of historical trauma is not addressed. Real healing, they argue, must combine both.

On their analysis, I was moved by how they connect reparations to dignity and empathy. Their work reminded me that reparations are not about living in the past but about building fairness in the present and future. At the same time, I could see their concern that politics might weaken the process especially if leaders treat reparations as empty gestures. Still their call for honesty and courage gave me hope that real progress is possible.

In conclusion, Dr. Eickhoff and Dr. Staeger’s article makes an important contribution by showing reparations as a moral responsibility and a political opportunity. Their balanced approach reminds us that facing history is not about blame, but about ensuring dignity, equality and stronger Africa-Europe relations in the future.