President John Mahama has declared that the fight for reparatory justice for the descendants of enslaved Africans cannot be a passive endeavor.
Drawing a direct parallel to the continent’s struggle for sovereignty, he emphasised that justice must be actively claimed through unity and determination.
Speaking at the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, President Mahama explained that “reparatory justice will not be handed over to us like political independence.”
“It must be asserted, it must be pursued, and secured through determination and unity,” President Mahama told the assembled heads of state.
The centerpiece of this strategy is the adoption of a “Decade of Reparations,” a framework designed to transform the movement from a series of commemorative events into a sustained, global political commitment.
“The decision to adopt a decade of reparations marks a strategic shift from a time-bound observance to a sustained global commitment,” he stated, urging member states to prepare for a long-term, coordinated campaign.
President Mahama further indicated that Ghana is spearheading a diplomatic offensive at the United Nations.
He informed the Assembly that a draft resolution, titled the “Declaration of the Trafficking on Enslaved Africans and Radicalized Racial, Chartered Enslavement of Africans as a Greater Crime Against Humanity,” will be formally moved by Ghana on the floor of the UN General Assembly on March 25th.
The resolution, which seeks to codify the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement as distinct crimes against humanity, has already garnered significant international backing.
“The resolution has been submitted to this Assembly for endorsement in order that Africa speaks with one voice on that global platform,” he explained.
“And I’m pleased to announce that several CARICOM countries and other allies have endorsed this resolution.”
President Mahama concluded his address with a direct call to action for the continent’s leaders, urging them to endorse the resolution unanimously.
“I urge this Assembly to pass the resolution for tabling at the UN General Assembly on March 25th.”
