Beyond Compensation: Reparatory Justice as a Structural Economic Imperative for Africa

by Ibrahima Faye

Cristina Duarte’s essay Beyond Compensation spoke strongly to me because it did not treat reparations as just paying back money for the crimes of slavery and colonialism. Instead, she explained that reparatory justice must mean changing the unfair structures that still keep Africa poor today. She reminded us that reparations are not only about the past but also about the present and the future.

The first important point Duarte made is that compensation alone is not enough. She said that even if every African country received large sums of money today, it would not solve the deep problems that exist in our systems. The legacy of slavery and colonialism is not only financial loss, but also weak institutions, unfair trade, and constant dependence on foreign powers. This means that without changing structures, any money given could be swallowed up without real progress.

The second point is that exploitation is still happening today. Duarte pointed out that Africa continues to lose wealth through unfair global trade, tax evasion by multinationals, and brain drain. In other words, colonialism did not fully end. It only changed form. If reparatory justice is serious, it must stop the present bleeding as much as it remembers the past crimes. For me, this was very powerful because it shows that Africa is not just a victim of history but also of current systems that keep us weak.

The third point is that Africa itself must lead the call for reparatory justice. Duarte argued that no outside power will fight for Africa’s dignity more than Africans themselves. She said our leaders need to be bold, united, and committed. Reparatory justice is not charity from the West, it is a right, and Africa must claim it with one voice.

My feelings about this essay are strong. I agree with Duarte. As a rational humanist, I do not believe that justice comes from waiting for a god or from forgiving without action. Justice must be made by humans here and now. The past cannot be erased, but the present can be repaired if we change the systems that keep injustice alive. I also feel sad because many African leaders today are not united or bold enough. Too often they serve themselves or foreign interests. This makes Duarte’s call very urgent but also very hard.

At the same time, I feel hopeful. If more Africans, especially young people, take these ideas seriously, maybe we can push for fairer trade, stronger institutions, and true independence. Reparations then become not just about money but about respect, dignity, and the power to decide our own future.

In conclusion, Cristina Duarte taught me that reparatory justice is bigger than money. It is about breaking the chains that still hold Africa back today. I fully agree with her. Real reparations must be structural, present, and led by Africans themselves. Only then can Africa truly move beyond the wounds of the past.