Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has issued a strong call for reparative justice and historical accountability during the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament held in Midrand, South Africa, on July 25, 2025.

The session, chaired by Mauritania’s Fatimetou Habib, centered on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations” a priority agenda item for the African Union this year.

The gathering drew members of parliament, AU officials, civil society leaders, and diplomats for wide-ranging discussions on continental governance, peace, and integration.

Passaris, who also serves as a Pan-African Parliament member, took part in a forum focused on enhancing Africa’s governance systems and integration frameworks.

In a post shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Passaris wrote: “Attending the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament this morning… I took part in a powerful session dedicated to strengthening continental governance and integration.”

Deliberations during the session included reflections on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Reports, the AU Governance Report, and the outcomes of a joint consultative meeting between the AU Peace and Security Council and the Pan-African Parliament.

In a passionate address to fellow lawmakers, Passaris rallied support for a motion on reparations, urging recognition of the deep-rooted injustices that Africa and its diaspora have endured.

“This is about more than history it’s about identity, justice, and the pain our people have carried for generations,” she said. “We must acknowledge this suffering, seek redress, and chart a new course grounded in healing.”

Referencing the lasting impact of slavery, colonialism, and neocolonial structures, Passaris described them as systemic forces that inflicted generational trauma and disruption.

“Millions were taken from their homes and subjected to brutal conditions. The legacy of that trauma still lives among us today,” she told the chamber.

Despite the grim history, Passaris emphasized the remarkable resilience and determination of African communities.

“Our people have risen through adversity. They’ve rebuilt, resisted, and reclaimed their dignity.”

Her message struck a tone of both reflection and resolve.

“There’s hope in that strength. It inspires us to keep pushing for change, for fairness, for a better Africa.”

She also clarified that reparations should go beyond financial restitution.

“It’s about truth-telling, about taking responsibility for historical wrongs, and about investing in systems that guarantee justice and inclusion,” Passaris said.

Concluding her remarks, she urged the Pan-African Parliament to take a bold and united stance.

“We must show the world that Africa will no longer be silenced, overlooked, or dismissed. We are demanding justice. We are demanding healing.”

Passaris’s remarks added momentum to growing calls across the continent for historical reckoning and reaffirmed Kenya’s voice in the global reparation's conversation.