To mark Africa Day 2025, the Africa Leadership College for Higher Education (ALCHE), in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris and the United Nations Association of Mauritius, hosted a landmark event under the theme of reparative justice for historical wrongs committed against the African continent.
The event brought together politicians, dignitaries, and scholars, including the Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency Mr Jean Robert Yvan Hungley, and the Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mr Hambyrajen Narsinghen, along with representatives from key institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union.
The discussions explored the legal, moral, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of reparative justice, in line with the Africa Day 2025 theme: “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The programme extended beyond the customary celebration of African unity and diversity. Instead, it sought to answer a pressing question: how can the injustices inflicted upon Africa throughout history be acknowledged and addressed in a meaningful and dignified way?
Panel discussions, held on ALCHE’s campus in Pamplemousses, brought together thought leaders, legal experts, historians, and spiritual guides. Titled “Restoring Dignity: Legal, Cultural, and Historical Pathways to Reparatory Justice,” the first panel examined the deep trauma borne by African peoples and explored pathways to justice that honour cultural heritage and human dignity. Panellists included representatives from the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union, the Chagos Refugees Group and ALCHE.
The second panel, “Spiritual Healing for Justice: The Role of Meditation and Spirituality in Reparations,” focused on the inner dimension of healing. Led by a representative from Brahma Kumaris, it emphasised moving beyond physical identifiers such as race or religion to connect with the soul through meditation. The discussion underscored how spiritual practices can foster peace, unity, and collective healing across African communities and the global diaspora.
“Africa is rich in human potential and cultural wealth”
Speaking during the event, the Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency Mr Jean Robert Yvan Hungley, emphasised Mauritius’s strategic role as a bridge between Africa and Asia, advocating for broader collaboration and a just, inclusive future.
He also highlighted the African Union’s efforts to address social and economic injustices through inclusive reforms aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of Africans and their descendants.
“Africa is rich, not only in natural resources but also in human potential and cultural wealth. As His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, recently emphasized, Africa must develop a viable value chain through value addition and transformative processes. This is essential not only for current progress but for the prosperity of future generations. As we look at the horizon, let us move beyond commemoration and into meaningful action. Let us support policies that empower our communities, protect human rights,celebrate African heritage, and chart a path toward peace, equity, and prosperity,” stated the Vice-President.
Reimagining Africa as a global force for self-driven development
The Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mr Hambyrajen Narsinghen, added that “on 25 May 1963, the founding of the Organisation of African Unity marked a historic milestone in Africa’s fight against colonialism, now embodied by the African Union. Africa Day celebrates this legacy and highlights the importance of unity, justice, and reparations for people of African descent. Mauritius reaffirms its deep connection to Africa, its diverse heritage, and its commitment to peace, equity, and regional integration. Through solidarity and diplomacy, notably in reclaiming the Chagos Archipelago, Mauritius calls for collective action to overcome shared challenges and shape a prosperous future for the continent”.
Veda Sunassee, the CEO of ALCHE, marked Africa Day as both a celebration of the continent’s rich cultural diversity and a moment for deep reflection on its post-independence journey.
He brought to attention the importance of reimagining Africa not as a subject of aid, but as a global force for self-driven development, acknowledging the challenges of transformation and the need to rebuild intellectual and institutional capacity.
Highlighting the work of the African Leadership College and its broader network, the CEO presented education as a response to historical dilemmas, aiming to cultivate ethical, competent leaders rooted in African realities.
He concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to building inclusive, future-oriented systems to empower Africa’s youth and ensure the continent’s prosperity.
The day also focused on the transmission of values and cultural heritage to the youth, in line with ALCHE’s mission to foster the next generation of ethical entrepreneurial leaders in Africa.
