Accra: African Union Leader on Advancing the Cause of Justice and Payment of Reparations and the President of Ghana, John Mahama, has emphasized the urgent need for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms at national, regional, and international levels to ensure reparations for the historical trauma inflicted on Africa. He described the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and neo-colonial exploitation as heinous crimes against humanity, noting that more than 12.5 million Africans were forcibly displaced, with at least 2 million perishing during the Middle Passage – the sea journey undertaken by slave ships from West Africa to the West Indies.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the leader demanded justice for the historical trauma inflicted on global Africa, emphasizing that it is not just a conversation but a reality. He urged unified action and unwavering commitment to this transformative endeavor. Colonial policies have stifled Africa’s industrial growth, leading to trillions of dollars in lost resources and perpetuating dependency on foreign economies, President Mahama added.
“The legacy of this brutal system along with colonialism, apartheid, genocide, and neo-colonial exploitation have left deep and enduring scars on the fabric of our societies,” he stated. He also called for comprehensive reparative justice, including financial compensation, restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition.
The Accra Reparations Conference, hosted by Ghana in November 2023, was a pivotal step in advancing the reparations movement. The conference brought together African leaders, scholars, and diaspora representatives to lay the foundation for stronger advocacy and policy frameworks. Subsequently, the AU Commission, in collaboration with key partners, developed a road map to guide the implementation of the reparations agenda, aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
This initiative seeks to mobilize political will, foster partnerships, and elevate awareness to ensure sustained engagement beyond 2025.