By Michelle Ndaga
The African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) celebrated the 5th anniversary of their partnership during the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, reaffirming shared commitments to justice, solidarity, and inclusive development.
Leaders from both regions used the occasion to call for reparatory justice, fair compensation for colonial exploitation, and reforms to the international financial system.
They also emphasized the need for stronger trade and investment ties, as well as a more inclusive multilateral framework grounded in cooperation and fairness.
President William Ruto underscored the urgency of reparatory justice for Africa and the Caribbean, noting that historical injustices continue to weigh heavily on both regions. Kenya proposed strengthening the Africa–CARICOM Reparations Working Group by mobilizing additional resources and international support.
Dr. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chair of CARICOM, described the milestone as a historic moment rooted in centuries of shared struggle and resilience. He lauded the fraternal bond between Africa and the Caribbean, highlighting the role of the Rastafarian community in urging leaders to reconnect with “Mother Africa.”
The anniversary was also marked as an opportunity to deepen advocacy for global equity, with leaders urging private sector players to increase trade and investment between the two regions. They emphasized that closer collaboration will not only advance economic growth but also strengthen global voices from the Global South in climate action and social justice.
The AU–CARICOM partnership, launched in 2020, has been hailed as a strategic alliance for amplifying the interests of Africa and the Caribbean on the global stage while preserving cultural and historical ties.
