South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The African Union (AU) Ambassador to South Sudan Joram Mukama Biswaro highlighted the continent’s enduring battles against injustice, from the transatlantic slave trade to colonialism and neo-colonialism. He reaffirmed the AU’s steadfast solidarity with South Sudan in its pursuit of peace and development.
Speaking last week at an orphanage donation event marking Africa Day, Ambassador Joram Mukama Biswaro emphasized that Africa’s fight against historical injustices remains unfinished.
“In the case of Africa, we go way back to the silver and slave trade,” Biswaro stated. “Millions of energetic Africans were taken from the continent across the Atlantic. It was not easy. Even today, we are challenged by the repercussions of that era — and it didn’t end there.”
Biswaro connected Africa’s colonial history to contemporary neocolonialism, where foreign exploitation continues in new forms. “The struggle against that injustice is not over,” he asserted. “It now manifests itself as neocolonialism.”
Focusing specifically on South Sudan, Biswaro acknowledged the country’s hard-fought journey toward independence and its ongoing efforts to achieve stability. “After over 120 years of struggle, in 2013 and 2016 — we are still living through that experience,” he remarked. “But one positive aspect is that Africa … has not lost touch with South Sudan. We stood with you during your struggle, after your independence, and as you continue to build a prosperous South Sudan.”
He highlighted the AU’s decision to dedicate this year’s Africa Day to the theme of justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent. “Due to the injustices that Africans and their descendants have endured — slavery, colonialism, neocolonialism — there must be reparations. People must be compensated for their suffering,” he explained.
Biswaro also pointed to practical challenges hindering Africa’s unity and development, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to electricity, calling for continental cooperation to address these barriers.
Africa Day is a celebration of the continent’s unity and diversity, as well as a time to reflect on the persistent challenges that continue to impact the common developmental goals of its people. The theme for Africa Day 2025 is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
