Rwanda hosted the 15th Annual Conference of the African Society of International Law (AfSIL) on 6–7 November 2026, bringing together legal scholars, judges, practitioners and public officials to examine Africa’s role in advancing reparations under international law.

Held under the theme “Africa and the Challenge of Reparation in International Law,” the two-day conference provided a platform for discussions on historical claims, legal obligations and the implementation of reparations.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General highlighted Rwanda’s experience following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, when the country pursued accountability while addressing survivors’ needs and rebuilding public institutions, often under very difficult conditions.

The Minister underscored the growing importance of reparations across Africa, particularly following the African Union’s decision to make reparations its theme for 2025 and extend the initiative into a decade running from 2026 to 2035.

He emphasised that reparations should address the harm suffered and remain distinct from development programmes, noting that development responds to public needs, while reparation addresses harm for which responsibility is owed. He also called for serious examination of historical claims relating to enslavement, colonialism and apartheid, supported by access to historical records and evidence.

He further stressed that fulfilling reparation obligations requires adequate resources, capable institutions and sustained commitment, encouraging African scholars, practitioners and institutions to contribute actively to the development of international law.

The conference brought together distinguished international law experts, including Judge Dire Tladi, Professor Makane Moïse Mbengue, President of AFSIL, Professor Maurice Kamto, Founder of the Society, and Professor Mārtiņš Paparinskis, Special Rapporteur on compensation of the International Law Commission.