The African Union (AU), representing the 55 countries of the continent, has declared the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as the greatest crime against humanity. They assert that this atrocity, which victimized around 15 million individuals over a span of 400 years, continues to have profound socio-economic repercussions today. In pursuit of official acknowledgment, the AU has passed a resolution in February, which has been forwarded to the United Nations for consideration, aiming for at least a formal apology from the nations that profited from the slave trade.

The AU's call for recognition stems from the extensive and enduring impacts of the transatlantic slave trade that have affected the African diaspora through physical, psychological, economic, and social repercussions. The historical trauma is not only a distant memory but continues to manifest in various forms, influencing the lives of millions. This acknowledgment is seen as a crucial step towards healing and addressing the lingering inequalities that stem from this historical injustice.

The resolution and its goal to gain support from the UN represent more than just a historical inquiry; it is about recognizing the deep scars inflicted by this crime and seeking reparative measures. The African Union's efforts highlight the importance of accountability in addressing historical wrongs, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice transcends borders, calling for a global reckoning with the past.