Since the 19th century African-Americans have claimed reparation from the United States government for having enslaved their ancestors, but so far without the anticipated result. The African continent, through the OAU/AU, has also claimed compensation as reparation for the effects of the slave trades and colonialism. During the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, organised under the auspices of the United Nations in Durban, South Africa, the issue of reparation, especially for slavery and colonialism was debated for the first time at international level, with the people of African descent reiterating their claims for reparation. Are these claims for reparation tangible? What are the lessons of Durban? What is the meaning of reparation in Sub-Saharan Africa's process of reconstruction and development?