AU Summit: President Mahama Advocates for Continental Solution on Enslavement

Introduction

At the recent African Union (AU) Summit, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama delivered a powerful address emphasizing the urgent need for a unified African stance on the legacy of slavery and racialized chattel enslavement. His remarks have sparked renewed discussions across the continent about historical injustices and the path toward reparatory justice. This article examines the key elements of President Mahama’s proposal, the collaborative process behind it, and its potential implications for Africa and the global community.

Key Points

Background

The issue of slavery and its enduring legacy has long been a topic of discussion within the African Union and among African nations. The transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas and other parts of the world, left deep scars on the continent’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. In recent years, there has been growing momentum within the AU to address these historical injustices through formal declarations and potential reparations.

President Mahama’s initiative builds upon previous efforts by Ghana and other African nations to confront this painful history. Ghana, with its significant historical connection to the slave trade through former slave forts and castles along its coast, has been at the forefront of these discussions. The country has previously declared 2019 as the “Year of Return,” inviting people of African descent to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.

Analysis

President Mahama’s approach to addressing the legacy of slavery through the AU framework represents a strategic and comprehensive effort to achieve continental consensus. By framing slavery as “the gravest crime against humanity,” he elevates the discussion beyond national boundaries and positions it as a matter of fundamental human rights and dignity.

The three-pillar approach—historical accuracy, legal defensibility, and continental/diaspora alignment—demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the complexities involved in addressing historical injustices. Historical accuracy ensures that the resolution is grounded in rigorous scholarship and acknowledges the full scope of the crimes committed. Legal defensibility provides a framework for potential reparations and accountability measures. Continental and diaspora alignment recognizes the shared experience of the African diaspora and the need for a unified approach.

The extensive consultation process involving UNESCO, the Global Group of Experts on Reparations, the Pan-African Lawyers Union, academic institutions, and various AU committees reflects a commitment to inclusivity and legitimacy. This collaborative approach increases the likelihood of broad support for the resolution and enhances its credibility on the international stage.

The refined title of the resolution is particularly significant. By explicitly naming “Trafficking in Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans,” it leaves no ambiguity about the specific crimes being addressed. The use of “racialised chattel enslavement” acknowledges the systemic and institutionalized nature of these crimes, distinguishing them from other forms of slavery throughout history.

Practical Advice

For those interested in supporting or engaging with this initiative, consider the following steps:

1. **Educate yourself and others**: Learn about the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its ongoing impacts. Share accurate information with your community to build awareness.

2. **Engage with local AU chapters**: Many countries have AU chapters or affiliated organizations that work on continental issues. Get involved in their activities and discussions.

3. **Support African diaspora organizations**: Many organizations work to strengthen ties between Africa and its diaspora. Consider volunteering or donating to support their efforts.

4. **Advocate for educational reforms**: Push for more comprehensive education about African history and the slave trade in schools and universities.

5. **Participate in cultural exchanges**: Engage in programs that promote cultural exchange between Africa and the diaspora to build solidarity and understanding.

6. **Follow the AU proceedings**: Stay informed about the progress of this resolution and other related initiatives through official AU channels and reputable news sources.

FAQ

Conclusion

President Mahama’s advocacy for a continental solution on enslavement at the AU Summit represents a significant moment in Africa’s ongoing reckoning with its history. By framing slavery as “the gravest crime against humanity” and proposing a comprehensive, legally grounded approach to addressing its legacy, Ghana has positioned itself as a leader in this critical conversation.

The success of this initiative will depend on the ability to maintain continental unity, navigate complex legal and diplomatic challenges, and translate moral and historical arguments into concrete actions. As the AU continues its deliberations, the eyes of the African diaspora and the international community will be watching closely, recognizing that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for how historical injustices are addressed in the 21st century.

The path forward requires not only political will but also a commitment to education, dialogue, and reconciliation. By confronting this painful history with clarity and determination, Africa has an opportunity to lead the world in addressing historical injustices and building a more equitable future for all.