At the African Union (AU) Summit, President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to adopt a unified continental resolution addressing the historical injustice of enslavement and its lasting impact on the continent and its diaspora.
Speaking during high-level deliberations at the summit, President Mahama stressed the need for Africa to take a firm and collective position on the transatlantic slave trade and other forms of enslavement that devastated African societies for centuries. He argued that the time has come for the continent to speak with one voice in demanding recognition, accountability, and meaningful reparatory justice.
According to him, the legacy of enslavement continues to shape economic inequalities, underdevelopment, and structural disadvantages faced by African nations. He noted that while individual countries have made efforts to pursue justice and dialogue, a continental approach would strengthen Africa’s moral authority and negotiating power on the global stage.
President Mahama urged the AU to consider establishing a formal framework that would coordinate research, advocacy, and diplomatic engagement on the issue. He said such a resolution would not only honour the memory of millions of Africans who suffered but also reaffirm the continent’s commitment to dignity, unity, and historical truth.
He further emphasised that reparatory justice is not solely about financial compensation but also about institutional reforms, educational initiatives, and global acknowledgment of the atrocities committed. “Africa must define the terms of this conversation and ensure that our history is neither forgotten nor distorted,” he stated.
The call was met with interest from several member states, as discussions around reparations and historical justice continue to gain momentum within regional and international forums.
The AU Summit, which brings together heads of state and government from across the continent, is focused on strengthening cooperation, advancing economic integration, and addressing key political and security challenges facing Africa.
Observers say President Mahama’s proposal could spark renewed debate within the AU on how best to pursue justice for historical wrongs while promoting unity and forward-looking development across the continent.
