Group Welcomes Push For Slave Trade To Be Declared Crime Against Humanity

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has welcomed Ghana’s initiative to file a United Nations Resolution on March 25, 2026, declaring the transatlantic slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity, calling it a bold and historic step for Africa on the global stage.

It suggested that the initiative should be expanded to include the Trans-Saharan slave trade, ensuring a complete and honest reckoning of Africa’s long history of enslavement.

In a statement on Wednesday, the executive director of PeacePro, Abdulrazaq Hamzat said Ghana’s leadership demonstrated courage in confronting one of history’s gravest crimes.

“This initiative can become even stronger by acknowledging all major systems of African enslavement. A complete approach will enhance Africa’s moral authority and strengthen the case for reparations and restorative justice,” Hamzat said.

The group noted that Ghana’s move complemented Algeria’s recent parliamentary action, which enacted a law declaring colonialism a crime against humanity, and stressed that all African nations should adopt similar resolutions as a precursor to the UN initiative.

It emphasised that the Trans-Saharan slave trade, which lasted over a millennium and affected millions of Africans across North Africa, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean, must be recognised alongside the transatlantic system to reflect the full scale of Africa’s historical suffering.

“Africa cannot seek justice selectively. Honest historical accounting is the foundation for meaningful reparations, restitution, and reconciliation,” PeacePro said.

PeacePro also called on the African Union, ECOWAS, and African governments to rally behind a unified continental position, ensuring that Africa presents a cohesive, comprehensive, and credible case at the United Nations.

“This is an opportunity for Africa to lead the world in historical justice. By including all systems of African enslavement, we send a clear message that Africa is ready to confront its history fully and demand accountability from all perpetrators,” it added.

The group reaffirmed its support for Ghana’s initiative and urged African leaders to strengthen continental solidarity, elevate the global dialogue on reparations, and secure justice for all affected communities.