By Uthman Salaudeen
Nigeria has joined Ghana and 121 other United Nations member states in adopting a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
The resolution, spearheaded by Ghana, received 123 votes in favour, while Argentina, Israel, and the United States voted against it. A total of 52 countries abstained from the vote.
The move forms part of activities marking the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, as well as the African Union’s Decade of Reparations.
Speaking ahead of the vote on behalf of the 54-member African Group, Ghana’s President John Mahama described the resolution as a step towards justice and healing.
“Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice,” he said.
The transatlantic slave trade, which lasted for over 400 years, saw millions of Africans forcibly taken from the continent and subjected to harsh conditions in plantations across the Americas.
The resolution is expected to strengthen global conversations around historical accountability, racial justice, and reparations for affected communities.
