President Mahama supports the African Union’s call for Reparatory Justice, emphasizing the historical injustices faced by Africans and the descendants thereof. He argues for a comprehensive approach that includes financial compensation and structural changes to address ongoing disparities. His remarks, made during the 38th Ordinary AU session, reinforce the 2025 dedication to the reparations movement and the importance of restoring dignity and rights to affected communities.
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the African Union’s (AU) advocacy for Reparatory Justice for Africans and individuals of African descent. Highlighting the AU’s commitment, he emphasized the historical injustices faced by these communities and their impact over generations, during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
This session represents a pivotal step forward in the quest for justice, equality, and acknowledgment of past injustices that still affect the lives of many today. Mahama noted a significant decision from the previous assembly to dedicate the year 2025 to the reparations cause, aligning with Africa’s goals for liberation, unity, and socio-economic advancement, as outlined in Agenda 2063.
Mahama described the transatlantic slave trade as one of the worst atrocities in history, displacing over 12.5 million Africans and resulting in the loss of around two million lives during the Middle Passage. He asserted that the legacies of this trade, alongside colonialism and other forms of exploitation, have left enduring societal scars, manifesting as economic disparities and systemic discrimination that persist today.
He advocated for proactive measures to confront these issues, indicating that simply acknowledging past wrongs is insufficient; concrete actions are necessary. The economic ramifications of colonialism are staggering, with Africa estimated to have lost trillions in resources, partially due to exploitative practices that hindered sustainable development.
In his speech, Mahama underscored the significance of the Accra Reparations Conference held in November 2023, which convened leaders and scholars to promote reparations. The outcomes of this conference reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive approach to reparatory justice and established a framework for further advocacy.
He portrayed the AU’s 2025 theme as a unifying call to action, emphasizing the restoration of dignity and rights to Africa’s descendants. Mahama clarified that reparations encompass more than mere financial compensation, including restitution, rehabilitation, and preventing the recurrence of abuses, along with fostering truth-telling and historical accountability.
Finally, he noted that reparations also involve addressing systemic inequalities, enhancing educational and economic opportunities, and reclaiming cultural heritage, all while amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage. Mahama’s statements aim to galvanize efforts and strengthen the reparations movement for African communities worldwide.
President Mahama’s backing of the AU’s call for Reparatory Justice highlights the need for addressing historical injustices that have lasting impacts on people of African descent. By recognizing the economic and social consequences of colonial exploitation and slavery, he urges a comprehensive approach that includes financial compensation as well as cultural and structural reparations. The emphasis on the 2025 commitment marks a significant step towards restoring dignity and agency to those marginalized for centuries.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
