President Mahama calls for reparatory justice at 38th AU Assembly

President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted the significance of reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent, calling it a crucial step toward restoring dignity, rights, and well-being.

Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly on Saturday, February 15, 2025, President Mahama aligned his remarks with the AU's 2025 theme, which focuses on reparations for historical injustices.

“The 2025 AU theme of the year is, therefore, a call to galvanize efforts toward reparatory justice. It is an appeal to ensure that the dignity, rights, and well-being of Africans and their descendants are fully restored,” he stated.

President Mahama emphasized that reparations extend beyond financial compensation to include restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition for past abuses.

He also highlighted the importance of historical accountability and addressing long-standing structural inequalities.

“Reparations involve not only financial compensation but also restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition for the abuse of fellow human beings. It is also about truth-telling, historical accountability, and responsibility to those who have been marginalized for centuries,” he noted.

He further stressed that the push for reparations must also encompass broader efforts, including expanding educational opportunities, reclaiming cultural heritage, and amplifying the voices of Africans and the diaspora on the global stage.

“The call for reparation extends beyond financial redress to addressing structural inequalities, ensuring educational opportunities, reclaiming cultural heritage, and magnifying the voices of Africa and the diaspora communities on the global stage,” he added.