Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Attends Conference on Colonial-Era Crimes in Africa

 

ALGIERS, Algeria — Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Balcad, has attended the International Conference on Criminalizing Colonialism in Africa, held in Algiers from November 30 to December 1, 2025. The landmark event brought together representatives from African nations that endured colonial rule, aiming to strengthen international recognition of colonial-era violations and develop frameworks for reparations to address long-standing historical injustices.

The conference, which took place over two days, provided a platform for leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the enduring impacts of colonialism on African societies, economies, and governance structures. Delegates emphasized the need for a unified approach to documenting colonial crimes and promoting justice for the generations affected by these historical injustices.

A central outcome of the conference is the development of the “Algiers Declaration,” a comprehensive document summarizing the conference’s key recommendations, strategies, and conclusions. Once finalized, the declaration is expected to be presented at the African Union Summit in February 2026. There, member states may adopt it as an official reference for recognizing colonial-era crimes, creating mechanisms for restitution, and fostering reconciliation among affected nations. The declaration is also anticipated to serve as a foundation for policy initiatives and regional collaborations aimed at redressing the socioeconomic and political impacts of colonialism across the continent.

On the sidelines of the conference, State Minister Ali Balcad held bilateral talks with Algeria’s Secretary of State for African Affairs, Salma Mansouri. The discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and exploring joint initiatives for advancing Africa’s development and collective security. These meetings underscore Somalia’s active role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to addressing historical grievances while fostering cooperative partnerships within the African continent.

Officials attending the conference described it as a historic opportunity for African nations to collectively advance historical justice and acknowledge the lasting legacies of colonialism. By uniting around a shared agenda, participants aim to ensure that the experiences of colonized nations are formally recognized in international forums, thereby promoting accountability and raising awareness of the continuing socioeconomic challenges rooted in colonial exploitation.

The conference also highlighted the importance of education, research, and public awareness in confronting the narratives of colonial history. Experts noted that documenting testimonies, preserving historical records, and promoting scholarly studies are crucial for developing informed policies and reparative programs that reflect the true scale and impact of colonial-era crimes.

Somalia’s participation in this conference reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation and justice. By engaging with African partners and contributing to initiatives like the Algiers Declaration, Somalia is positioning itself as an active participant in continental efforts to recognize historical wrongs and build a future grounded in justice, equality, and mutual respect.

As African nations move forward with this collective endeavor, the outcomes of the conference are expected to resonate far beyond the diplomatic sphere, influencing policy, governance, and development initiatives aimed at addressing the enduring legacies of colonialism.