The 38th African Union (AU) Ordinary Summit is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15–16, 2025, bringing together heads of state and government from across the continent. The summit’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” highlights the push for reparations related to slavery and colonialism. The AU aims to unify efforts for financial compensation, formal acknowledgments of past wrongs, and necessary policy reforms to address historical injustices and their ongoing impacts, including economic disparities and climate change.

Additionally, the summit is focused on resolving ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan. In eastern DRC, the advance of M23 rebels toward Bukavu raises concerns over regional stability. Diplomatic progress is hindered by the defiance of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who denies supporting the rebels but asserts Rwanda’s right to defend itself.

Institutional reforms to strengthen the AU’s ability to address continental challenges are also a key topic, aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency within the organization.

The summit has drawn significant international attention, with leaders such as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu arriving in Addis Ababa to participate. As discussions continue, the goal remains to foster a more just and prosperous Africa.