The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad celebrated Africa Day on Monday, May 19, 2025, in its premises, in anticipation of the official celebration dedicated by the African Union, on May 25 of each year.

This celebration, which is in its 5th edition , commemorates the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which became the African Union (AU), a symbol of unity and integration between African countries and peoples. It highlights the coexistence between African communities established in our country, which the Togolese government promotes under the vision of HE Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE , President of the Council, thus reflecting Togo’s commitment to African integration and Pan-Africanism, in accordance with its foreign policy.

In order to highlight African culture in its diversity, this year’s celebration was marked by traditional dance and artistic performances as well as gastronomic exhibitions by African communities established in Togo.

This activity, beyond its festive aspect, is a privileged opportunity for the daughters and sons of Africa to reflect on the challenges facing the continent. Thus, a conference debate will take place on May 23, 2025 at the University of Lomé on the theme of the African Union for the year 2025 which is entitled: ” Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations .”

This theme is at the heart of Togo’s diplomatic action, which has included on the agenda of the 38th ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, the qualification of slavery, deportation and colonization as crimes against humanity and genocide against the peoples of Africa.

This initiative led to the adoption of a historic decision declaring slavery, deportation and colonization crimes against humanity and “genocide” against the peoples of Africa, paving the way for justice and reparation.

Furthermore, in a particular context, marked by the preparations for the 9th Pan -African Congress which will take place in December 2025 in Lomé, under the theme ” Renewal of Pan-Africanism and the role of Africa in the reform of multilateral institutions: mobilizing resources and reinventing ourselves to act “, this conference-debate will lay the foundations for a reflection on the thorny issue of reparations which will also be debated during this diplomatic and intellectual meeting which aims to be a platform for mobilization and refoundation, allowing to deepen the agenda of reparations, to rethink the position of Africa in global governance and to collectively carry a new ambition for Africa.