President John Dramani Mahama has called on the African Union and its member states to take bold, practical steps to advance reparations for historical injustices and to safeguard democratic freedoms across the continent.
Speaking at the 13th African Union High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights on Wednesday, July 29, 2025, President Mahama commended the African Union Executive Council for extending the Theme of the Year on Reparations to a full Decade on Reparations, running from 2026 to 2036.
He also lauded the Council for approving the terms of reference for the AU Commission of Experts on Reparations and the AU Reference Group of Legal Experts on Reparations.
“These are critical milestones,” he said.
“However, we must now move swiftly to operationalize these instruments. We must empower these bodies with the resources, visibility, and mandate to lead us on this noble journey of truth, justice, and restitution. Let this not be another declaration left on paper. Let it be a living mandate for action.”
President Mahama emphasized that the reparations agenda must not remain a symbolic gesture but must be translated into real progress and measurable outcomes that serve affected communities.
Turning to democratic governance, President Mahama made a strong appeal for all AU member states to adopt legally binding frameworks to protect civic space.
He said the ability of citizens to freely express themselves, protest, and participate in decision-making is essential for Africa’s democratic future.
“We must protect the rights organized to protest and participate. We must preserve the freedom of the press, the voices of the youth and our women, and marginalized groups must be heard and protected,” he stated.
He cautioned that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where fear and repression silence dissenting voices.
“Democracy cannot thrive in the presence of fear or repression,” he said.
“The legitimacy of our governments depends on the inclusion of all our people. Governments must exist for all our people and not just a few.”
President Mahama’s remarks come at a time when many African countries are grappling with shrinking civic space, rising public discontent, and growing calls for justice related to colonial-era and racial injustices.
His dual call for reparative justice and democratic accountability served as a rallying cry for African leaders to rise beyond declarations and deliver meaningful change for their people.
