By: Rachel Kakraba
The African Union, AU, has renewed commitment to inclusion of youth and women’s voices as well as marginalized communities in policies and strategies for a peaceful, united, and globally influential Africa. It will also champion reparations which could foster social cohesion, redress grievances, and rebuild trust in state institutions to mobilize the continent in the pursuit of justice. These were highlights of outcomes at the AU 13th High Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance and Human Rights in Accra.
The dialogue which focused on the theme: “Justice, Rights, Reparations, and State-building” reinforced ongoing efforts to address historical injustices and forge inclusive, accountable and resilient governance structures across the continent.
The Dialogue’s recommendations are expected to be incorporated into the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government through the AU Chairperson or the AU Theme Champion.
The two-day summit which brought together policymakers, civil society organizations, governance experts, and development partners from across Africa, offered a platform for high-level exchanges on governance and democracy in Africa.
Presenting highlights of the outcomes at the closing ceremony in Accra, on 30th July 2025, Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention, at the African Union Commission, Patience Chiradza, said the growing call for a permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council reflects a broader demand for global justice, equity and inclusion in international decision-making.
“The African Union and its member states need to further strengthen the demand for African Permanent representation in the UN Security Council, as part of the Global Justice and Reparation Campaign”
Adding on “the restoration of dignity requires inclusive framework that are both designed with the affected populations particularly women and marginalized communities”
The outcomes also highlighted the transformative power of educating women and girls which must be recognized as a catalyst for national development.
“Education systems should continue to be performed so that they become more inclusive and responsive, especially for women with a strong emphasis on STEM in entrepreneurship”
In the face of current geopolitical climate, member states are also encouraged to remain united, develop responsive judiciary and integrate traditional justice systems within national legal frameworks to better respond to the needs of the continent,
“The current geopolitical climate demands that Africa speaks with a unified voice reiterating its position to advance its interest in reparation and social justice. Member states are encouraged to mobilize national, continental and international diplomatic efforts to promote this agenda including the domestication and implementation of Agenda 2063”
The Coordinating Director, Multilateral and International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Perpetua Dufu, said the dialogue has been a learning platform highlighting the importance of political education and the contribution of Civil Society Organizations in shaping the civic space.
“We reaffirmed the significance of political education as a fundamental element of state building. Our institutions should not only operate effectively, but also inspire a sense of legitimacy among the populace. This legitimacy is rooted in a citizenry that is informed about its rights and empowered in its role. She said “The Democracy that does not embrace diverse opinions, stifles the voice of journalism or overlooks the contribution of the youth and the marginalized community”
Madam Dufu, said Africa’s future is not a legacy to be inherited, but a vision to be actively built through collective effort and shared responsibility.
She expressed Ghana’s support for the establishment of a permanent African Union mechanism on reparatory justice, anchored by a dedicated committee of experts to provide continental leadership on the critical issue of reparations.
Two documents, the Africa Governance Report and The State of CSOs in Africa Report, were launched. The publications will serve as essential tools for budgetary decisions, shape legislative initiatives, and guide leadership at various levels.
Awards were presented to some valued partners for their dedication to the AU.
