During the 39th General Assembly of the African Union (AU), President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the urgent need for the AU to advocate for reparatory justice. He warned that without a consolidated and determined approach, achieving this form of justice, which he views as crucial for the continent, may remain elusive. Mahama's remarks coincide with the implementation of Assembly Decision 884, which declares 2025 as the 'African Union Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations'.

The General Assembly, which gathered leaders, international organizations, and civil society groups, focused on the theme of ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation as part of the broader Agenda 2063 goals. Mahama's role as the AU Champion on Reparatory Justice places him at the forefront of this endeavor, indicating a significant policy direction for the AU moving forward. His advocacy underscores the historical and systemic injustices faced by African nations and people, and the importance of reparations in advancing equity and justice.

This call for reparatory justice not only highlights a crucial topic in the discourse surrounding the historical exploitation of African nations but also pushes for a transformative agenda within the AU. As various stakeholders converge to discuss sustainable development and social justice, Mahama's insistence on reparations serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of colonial history and present-day challenges, urging a collective responsibility to rectify past wrongs as part of future development strategies.