From Colonization to Cooperation: The African Union’s Role in Decolonization
Abstract
This article explores the African Union's (AU) pivotal role in advocating for decolonization and equitable reforms within the United Nations (UN). At the core of the AU’s agenda is the push for increased African representation in the UN Security Council (UNSC), which is crucial for fair decision-making. Additionally, the AU champions African-led peacebuilding initiatives, such as the “Silencing the Guns” campaign, which emphasizes local ownership and conflict resolution across the continent. The AU also calls for international development frameworks that align with Africa's unique challenges and aspirations, as outlined in its Agenda 2063. Through these reforms, the AU aims to address historical inequities and prioritize Africa’s self-determination in global governance.
Beyond political representation, the African Union (AU) emphasizes the need to reassess international development policies that have historically marginalized African nations. It advocates for frameworks that address the continent’s unique challenges and aspirations, focusing on sustainable development, regional integration, and inclusive growth as outlined in Agenda 2063. These efforts are part of the AU’s broader commitment to correcting historical inequities and prioritizing Africa’s self-determination in global governance.
Through advocacy for these reforms, the AU seeks to amplify African perspectives in global policymaking and ensure the continent’s voice is central in shaping a more equitable international system. By promoting sustainable development and regional integration, the AU aims to build a more inclusive global dialogue that reflects Africa's needs and aspirations, ultimately ensuring a fairer and more representative global order.
Breaking Colonial Legacies: Political, Economic, and Cultural Dimensions of Decolonization
Abstract
Many of us know about the more significant decolonization trends throughout history, including in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and the battles fought to ensure the local peoples’ rights were incorporated into their systems- not just to join the long-established systems. However, when we start to research and realize that decolonization requires more than dismantling political systems, we can see how much effort and care it takes to break down and challenge the colonial roots embedded into political, social, cultural, psychological, and business practices. This article will explore the various types of decolonization and examine Dr. Enriques’ explanation of how local human rights defenders challenge the previous norms to work to bring back their Indigenous or historical roots.
Decolonizing Transitional Justice: Pathways Toward a Transformative Framework
Abstract
Transitional Justice (TJ) refers to a set of practices and institutions designed to address histories of violence, repression, and human rights abuses, often implemented in societies emerging from conflict or authoritarianism (Brinton Lykes & Murphy, 2023). TJ traditionally includes criminal prosecutions, truth commissions, reparations, and institutional reforms to facilitate democratic governance and social healing. However, traditional TJ models, largely rooted in Western paradigms, often employ a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, potentially overlooking societies' complex histories and cultural specificities, especially in postcolonial and Indigenous contexts. This approach can inadvertently reinforce colonial legacies, assuming liberal democratic governance as the ultimate goal, disregarding local systems and values that might not align with this trajectory (Novic, 2021).
From Ingrained Colonial Legacies to Decolonial Youth-Led Movements in Sudan
Abstract
Sudanese youth have become critical agents of decolonization, challenging entrenched governance structures shaped by colonial history and advocating for an equitable Sudan. This article examines how these youth-led movements reshape Sudan’s socio-political landscape through grassroots activism, humanitarian initiatives, and digital mobilization. By prioritizing local governance and sustainable development, Sudanese youth confront historical and systemic inequalities, striving for a resilient and inclusive future.