African elites also participated: Transatlantic slavery – the worst crime against humanity?

At the initiative of the President of Ghana, the African Union is calling for transatlantic slavery to be recognized as the most serious crime against humanity.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama intends to present the proposal, which is supported by 40 countries within the African Union (AU), to the United Nations in March. He cites a solid legal basis and an "irrefutable moral obligation."

The resolution is just the first step, as he said on the sidelines of the Union summit ten days ago in Addis Ababa. With the broad support of the African Union, the historical truth about transatlantic enslavement - as the most serious crime against humanity - must finally be acknowledged, the Ghanaian president emphasizes.

Slave trade – a tragedy in the history of mankind

Historians agree: the slave trade between the 15th and 19th centuries – the forced removal of millions of people from Africa to North, Central and South America – was one of the great tragedies in human history. Estimates suggest that over 15 million men, women and children were deported over a period of approximately 400 years. Other sources put the number at between 12 and 12,8 million people who were taken from Africa. About 10,7 million of them arrived in the Americas alive – between 1.5 and 2 million people died during the voyage.

In Addis Ababa, Mahama recalled those who jumped from ships, choosing death. Or were thrown overboard into the sea because they were sick and exhausted.

Historical and legal validity

Human rights expert Kojo Asante of the Center for Democratic Development of Ghana (CDD-Ghana) believes that the initiative is "historically and legally sound." In an interview with DW, he emphasizes that the transatlantic slave trade deeply marked the countries affected - and the consequences, he says, are still felt today. Countries have long been pushing for recognition or at least an apology from former perpetrators. For some governments, it is a political struggle that has lasted decades.

In Ghana, this issue has been on the agenda for a long time. Mahama is not the first president to support demands for reparations. His predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, also advocated for it, Asante recalls.

Next step – a request for reparations?

Last year, the African Union declared 2025 the "Year of Justice for Africans through Reparations." According to the resolution, reparations should be understood as future-oriented instruments linked to development.

Mahama, however, made it clear that for now, it is not about specific monetary amounts, but about recognizing historical truth. Financial issues, he said, will be discussed when the time comes.

Facing the Past? Resistance from the West

Asante also points to the strengthening of opposing views, especially in ultraconservative circles in the US. In circles around Donald Trump, the argument is made that today's generations do not want to be held accountable for the actions of their ancestors.

That is why the transatlantic slave trade is a politically sensitive and controversial issue – especially for countries that profited economically from slavery and colonialism.

What does civil society think?

According to Asante, the initiative is primarily supported by young people. Although the topic is still abstract for many, it is particularly supported by young Ghanaians interested in history.

At the same time, Asante warns against focusing too much on the past. Young people expect good governance in the present above all. Historical justice is important, but what is crucial is what political elites do with their power today and what opportunities they create. Many of the problems in African countries are internal in nature and cannot be attributed solely to colonial powers.

Competition in crimes?

Ghanaian President Mahama has said that there is no greater crime against humanity in recent history than the slave trade. Critics have questioned whether this is relativizing other historical atrocities – such as the Holocaust.

Asante rejects such a comparison. This is not about ranking historical crimes, he says, but about recognizing the transatlantic slave trade for what it was – a deeply inhumane practice with global consequences. The lasting effects of racism show how relevant this chapter of history is today. Recognition is key – and a lesson to ensure such crimes never happen again.

African complicity

Mahama also stressed that the truth about the history of the transatlantic slave trade must be "fully told."

Critics point out that this includes the fact that African elites, merchants and kingdoms – brokered the slave trade. Historians believe that many people captured in Africa were enslaved by other Africans and then sold to European traders.

Asante acknowledges that these aspects are also part of the historical truth. Forms of slavery existed in African societies even before the transatlantic trade. And that history must be acknowledged, because it too, he says, had social and economic consequences.

Why the focus on "transatlantic" trade?

Although the transatlantic slave trade was not the only form of slavery in Africa, according to Asante it had particularly severe economic, political and social consequences. The global consequences of the slave trade shape the world order to this day.

At the same time, the human rights expert emphasizes: as important as the historical confrontation is, African leaders today face enormous challenges in the present and the future. The responsibility for development and good governance today lies primarily with them.