February 20, 2025
At the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President John Dramani Mahama advocated for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent. The AU has dedicated 2025 to addressing historical injustices under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”.
Key points of President Mahama’s address:
- Call for Collective Action: Mahama urged unified efforts to secure reparative justice. He emphasized the need for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms at national, regional, and international levels to ensure reparatory justice.
- Accra Reparations Conference: He referenced the Accra Reparations Conference held in November 2023, noting its role in shaping advocacy and policy strategies for comprehensive reparatory justice.
- Collaborative Efforts: Mahama called for collaboration among European nations, regional economic bodies, the African diaspora, civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to drive meaningful change.
- Historical Injustices: Mahama pointed out that the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, genocide, and ongoing neo-colonial exploitation have deepened economic disparities, social inequalities, systemic discrimination, and racial biases. He described the transatlantic slave trade as one of the greatest crimes against humanity, resulting in the forced displacement of over 12.5 million Africans.
- Beyond Financial Compensation: Mahama stated that reparations extend beyond financial compensation to include restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition for past abuses. He also highlighted the importance of historical accountability and addressing long-standing structural inequalities.
- Commitment to Reparatory Justice: Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to reparatory justice, he stressed that addressing these issues requires concrete action.
- Broader Efforts: The push for reparations must also encompass broader efforts, including expanding educational opportunities, reclaiming cultural heritage, and amplifying the voices of Africans and the diaspora on the global stage.
Citations:
- https://dennislawnews.com/article/-38th-au-summit–president-mahama-advocates-for-reparatory-justice–unity-
- https://gna.org.gh/2025/02/mahama-backs-aus-call-for-reparatory-justice/
- https://www.graphic.com.gh/international/international-news/president-mahama-urges-collective-action-on-reparations-at-38th-au-summit.html
- https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-president-mahama-calls-for-collective-action-on-reparations.html
- https://citinewsroom.com/2025/02/mahama-calls-for-reparatory-justice-at-38th-au-assembly/
- https://cedirates.com/news/mahama-pushes-for-reparatory-justice-for-africans-at-38th-au-assembly/
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/mahama-backs-aus-call-for-reparatory-justice/
- https://www.facebook.com/radiotamale/posts/mahama-calls-for-reparatory-justice-at-38th-au-assemblypresident-john-dramani-ma/1055218356624499/
- https://www.myjoyonline.com/president-mahama-calls-for-reparatory-justice-and-collective-action-at-38th-au-summit/
- https://english.news.cn/20250217/28f8f2821fa14268ad138b57cfdd8262/c.html
- https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20250128/38th-african-union-summit-focus-reparatory-justice-and-racial-healing-under
