African Union adopts resolution describing slavery and colonization as crimes against humanity
African Union leaders meeting at at a two-day summit in Addis Ababa have adopted a resolution that describes slavery, deportation and colonialism as genocide and crimes against the people of Africa.
Leaders of the African Union, meeting at a two-day summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have adopted a resolution describing slavery, deportation and colonisation as genocide and crimes against the people of Africa. The decision was taken during deliberations focused on historical justice, unity and the continent’s collective memory.
The resolution formally recognizes the transatlantic slave trade, colonial rule and related systems of exploitation as crimes against humanity.
African leaders emphasized that acknowledging these historical injustices is essential to restoring dignity to affected communities and strengthening calls for global accountability.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed delegates during the summit, stressing the importance of unified recognition of colonization as a crime against humanity.
He also expressed solidarity with Palestine and the Palestinian people in his remarks.
Under the newly adopted resolution, member states agreed to designate November 30 as the African Day of Tribute to African Martyrs and Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Colonization, and Apartheid.
The day is intended to honor those who suffered and to reinforce education and remembrance efforts across the continent.
Leaders further agreed to keep the matter under review and to work collectively toward achieving broader international recognition of the resolution.
The move signals a coordinated continental stance aimed at reframing historical narratives and advancing discussions on justice and reparative measures at the global level.
