President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong call for unity among African leaders, youth, civil society, and the African diaspora to demand justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent.
Delivering a televised address to mark African Union (AU) Day on Sunday, May 25, 2025, President Mahama emphasized the significance of the AU’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year for Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
AU Day, celebrated annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union.
It serves as a reminder of the continent’s shared history, aspirations, and the ongoing struggle for unity, peace, and progress.
In his address, President Mahama, who has been designated by the AU as its Champion for Reparations, underscored the long-standing consequences of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism, which he said continue to affect generations of Africans and their descendants around the world.
“For too long, the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism has cast a long shadow on the lives and progress of Africans and people of African descent,” he said.
“These historical injustices have left deep scars. Reparations are not merely about financial compensation, they are about acknowledging the profound and enduring damage inflicted upon our people.”
He clarified that the reparations agenda involves a range of measures, including formal apologies from responsible nations and institutions, debt relief, and investment in Africa’s development.
“We seek justice, justice that encompasses official and unequivocal apologies, the return of stolen artifacts and cultural treasures, the cancellation of crippling debts, and investment in education and sustainable development,” President Mahama stated.
He noted that these reparative efforts must also include tackling structural inequalities and enabling African nations to participate fully and equitably in the global economy.
“This is not a simple task. It requires courage, determination, and a unified front. It requires us to engage in meaningful dialogue with those responsible and to advocate tirelessly for our rights,” he added.
President Mahama called on fellow African heads of state, civil society groups, youth organizations, and members of the diaspora to stand in solidarity in pursuit of this cause.
“Let us work together to build a future rooted in equality, dignity, and prosperity for all Africans and people of African descent,” he urged.
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Source: Monique Muller/ATLFMNEWS
