Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Leaders of the African Union have adopted a landmark resolution classifying slavery, forced deportation and colonialism as genocide and crimes against humanity against African peoples, marking a bold shift in how the continent frames historical injustices.
The resolution was approved on the final day of the AU’s 39th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa and calls on member states to collectively pursue international recognition of these crimes through diplomatic and legal avenues. It was presented by Togo and welcomed progress made under Decision 934, which laid the groundwork for continental action on reparations issues.
The declaration also highlighted recent efforts such as Algeria’s hosting of the International Conference on Colonial Crimes in Africa in late 2025, which sought to deepen understanding of the impacts of colonial rule and enslavement on African societies.
African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the resolution reflects a broader commitment to justice for Africans and people of African descent worldwide, and aligns with the AU’s designation of 2025 as the “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The move sets the stage for future diplomatic efforts, including anticipated discussions at the United Nations General Assembly, where Ghana has indicated it will table related proposals aimed at securing global recognition and redress for the transatlantic slave trade.
Critics of colonialism and slavery have long argued that formal international recognition is essential not just for historical accountability, but for addressing enduring socioeconomic disparities rooted in centuries of exploitation. This resolution could strengthen Africa’s collective voice in that campaign.
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