The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has welcomed the adoption of a landmark resolution by the United Nations General Assembly declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as the gravest crimes against humanity.

The resolution, A/80/L.48, was led by Ghana and has been described as a major step toward global recognition of the historical injustices of the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impact.

In a statement, the AUC Chairperson commended President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership in advancing the resolution, noting that it reflects Africa’s longstanding call for full acknowledgement of the slave trade and its consequences.

Describing the development as historic, the Chairperson said the decision represents significant progress toward truth, justice, and healing, while reinforcing the need to confront the enduring legacy of slavery.

The African Union also reiterated its call for a comprehensive approach to addressing both the historical and present-day effects of slavery, including the pursuit of reparatory justice in line with its development framework, Agenda 2063.

The Commission further affirmed its commitment to working closely with the United Nations, member states, and international partners to advance historical justice and ensure that such atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated.