At the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held February 14-15, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AU leaders adopted a landmark resolution classifying slavery, forced deportation, and colonialism as crimes against humanity and genocide against the peoples of Africa.
The resolution, building on earlier decisions including Assembly/AU/Dec.934(XXXVIII) from 2025, reaffirms the continent's unified push for historical justice, truth, remembrance, and reparatory measures.
It explicitly endorses the "Algiers Declaration" on the crimes of colonialism in Africa, adopted following the International Conference on the Crimes of Colonialism in Africa, hosted by Algeria in Algiers from November 30 to December 1, 2025.
In a key provision, the AU designated November 30 annually as the African Day of Tribute to African Martyrs and Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Colonization, and Apartheid. This commemorative day honors those who endured these atrocities, promotes collective remembrance, advances recognition of the crimes, and seeks to prevent their recurrence while fostering justice and equity.
The decision praises Algeria's leadership, particularly President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's initiative in organizing the Algiers conference and driving the declaration forward. It commits member states to unified diplomatic efforts for broader international recognition of these crimes and continued work on reparations, including apologies, restitution, and binding agreements to address lasting impacts.
This resolution aligns with the AU's 2025 Theme of the Year: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations," which marked a turning point in continental efforts. It follows related global advocacy, such as Ghana's planned tabling of a UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity.
Leaders emphasized that addressing these historical injustices is essential for healing, dignity, and building a more equitable future for Africans and the diaspora. The move strengthens Pan-African solidarity in demanding accountability for centuries of systemic harm inflicted through slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.
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