**Russia Supports African Nations in Push for Colonial Reparations**
**St. Petersburg, Russia** – Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and former president, announced on Wednesday that Russia will back African nations in their quest for reparations from former colonial powers. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, Medvedev emphasized the need for Western nations to be held accountable for the extensive exploitation that occurred during centuries of colonial rule.
Medvedev's remarks come amid a growing movement among African Union members and Caribbean nations advocating for reparations. He stated, “We [Russia] are ready to actively support their endeavors to demand reparations and compensation from their former colonial powers.” This statement underscores Russia's commitment to international solidarity with nations affected by colonialism.
The former president argued that Western countries possess the resources necessary to provide reparations for the "colossal damage" inflicted through colonial and neo-colonial practices. He highlighted the importance of ensuring equal access to economic opportunities, natural resources, and decision-making processes as vital steps toward achieving true sovereignty for countries in the Global South.
In his address, Medvedev dismissed the legal arguments often put forth by Western governments against the reparations movement. He asserted, “The former colonial powers have neither legal nor moral grounds to evade reparations justice,” reinforcing the idea that fundamental legal principles should prevent historical wrongdoings from being legitimized.
Medvedev also called for the formal recognition of colonialism as a distinct crime against humanity under international law. He proposed that this recognition be included in a future UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity. Such a move, according to Medvedev, would establish a framework for international accountability regarding the exploitation and enslavement of colonized peoples.
The topic of reparations has gained significant traction on the global stage in recent months. Just last week, Ghana hosted a global conference focused on reparatory justice, which brought together leaders from Africa and over 80 countries to discuss various aspects of reparations, including compensation, the return of cultural artifacts, and formal apologies for the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
This conference followed a resolution led by Ghana in the UN General Assembly on March 25, which recognized the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution received support from 123 countries, including Russia and China, while the United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it. The United Kingdom and all EU member states chose to abstain from the vote.
As discussions surrounding reparations continue to evolve, Medvedev's statements reflect Russia's strategic positioning in international affairs, particularly in relation to historical injustices and the ongoing quest for reparative justice by nations previously subjected to colonial rule.