Addis Ababa, February 11, 2025.- Cuba's ambassador to the African Union, Lucas D. Hernández, recently visited the headquarters of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and held meetings with Dr. Gorden Simango, director of the African Union Office and Advocacy, and Justice Oman, executive of Programme, Research, Governance and Human Rights. During the meeting, the issue of reparations and Afro-descendants, selected by the African Union as the central axis for the year 2025 under the slogan "Justice for Africans and Afro-descendants through reparations", was addressed.
Cuba has historically been a country committed to the fight against racial discrimination and the promotion of the rights of people of African descent. At the international level, Cuba has participated in forums and debates on restorative justice, highlighting its role in the anti-colonial struggle in Africa and its support for liberation movements on the continent.
During the meeting, the Cuban ambassador highlighted the recent celebration on the Caribbean island of the International Conference for the Decade for People of African Descent, a key event to close the cycle of activities related to the UN International Decade for People of African Descent. This meeting brought together experts and activists to discuss strategies for restorative justice and social equity in the region and was attended by the Director of Citizenship and Diaspora of the UA, Angela Naa Afoley.
Ambassador Hernandez highlighted the importance of joint work between Cuba and Africa on the issue of reparations, highlighting the historical ties that unite the island with the continent. Possible collaboration projects, academic exchanges and discussion forums on the impact of slavery and colonialism on the Afro-descendant population were discussed.
Cuba's commitment to the Afro-descendant cause is not only manifested in its foreign policy, but also in its efforts to strengthen recognition and social justice inside and outside the country. Cuba reaffirms its support for the global struggle for racial equity and the recognition of Africa's contribution to the history and development of nations.
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) is a continental ecumenical body representing more than 200 million Christians across the African continent. The AACC is the largest association of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and indigenous churches in Africa and a member of the global ecumenical network.
(EmbaCuba-Etiopía)