The African Union Commission has joined the international community to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, urging renewed global commitment to justice, dignity, and equality.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has paid tribute to millions of Africans who suffered under the transatlantic slave trade, describing the period as one of the darkest chapters in human history.

“On this solemn occasion, we honour the millions of African women, men and children who were forcibly uprooted, subjected to inhumane suffering and deprived of their dignity and fundamental rights,” he stated.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 25, the Chairperson noted that countless African men, women, and children were forcibly uprooted, subjected to inhumane treatment, and stripped of their fundamental rights and dignity.

He emphasised the transatlantic slave trade was not only a profound human tragedy but also a structural injustice whose effects continue to impact societies across Africa and the African diaspora.

“The transatlantic slave trade was not only a human tragedy, but a structural injustice whose enduring consequences continue to affect societies across Africa and the diaspora,” he emphasised.

The Commission stressed that preserving the memory of these atrocities remains critical, alongside a renewed collective commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.

“Preserving the memory of these atrocities is essential, alongside a renewed collective commitment to justice, dignity and equality,” he added.

The African Union further called for strengthened global efforts to confront the enduring legacy of slavery, including its socio-economic and cultural consequences.

“We must intensify global efforts to address the lasting socio-economic and cultural impacts of slavery,” he said. “Education, remembrance and dialogue remain critical tools in combating racism, discrimination and all forms of intolerance.”

The statement also reiterated the Union’s commitment to advancing reparative justice in line with the priorities and aspirations of African people and the diaspora.

“We reaffirm our commitment to advancing a global agenda of reparative justice, in line with the aspirations of African peoples and the diaspora,” he noted.

According to the Commission, the commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of African people and the need to uphold unity, solidarity, and shared prosperity while pursuing justice for all.

“This day is a powerful reminder of the resilience of African peoples and the enduring imperative to uphold human dignity and justice for all,” he concluded.