Why the AU Is Examining Colonization as a Crime Against Humanity

African leaders concluded the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2026, with discussions spanning peace and security, institutional reform, and historical justice including a review of a study on the implications of classifying colonization and slavery as crimes against humanity and acts of genocide.

Official AU release and concept note

• The official AU press release on the 39th Ordinary Session states that the Assembly “took note” of a Peace and Security Council report and expressed concern over conflict and unconstitutional changes. It confirms that leaders examined “a study on the implications of the description of colonization as a crime against humanity and certain acts committed during the era of slavery, deportation and colonization as acts of genocide against African peoples”. The communiqué emphasises historical justice, truth and reparatory justice but does not explicitly say a resolution was adopted.

• The AU archives host a concept note dated February 2025 from the Republic of Togo. Titled “Classification of Slavery, Deportation and Colonization as Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide Against the Peoples of Africa,” it frames slavery and colonisation as crimes and genocidal acts against Africans. This document formed the basis of discussion at the 38th summit and likely informed debate at the 39th summit.

News articles reporting a resolution

• Arise News, a Nigerian-based global broadcaster, echoes Africanews: it reports that AU leaders declared slavery, deportation and colonialism crimes against Africans and agreed to designate 30 November as a day of tribute. Youssouf is quoted calling recognition of colonisation “very important” and connecting the discussion to solidarity with Palestine.

• TheCable, a Nigerian news site, summarises a press conference by Youssouf after the summit. It states that while the summit’s official theme was water security, Youssouf noted that leaders “recognised colonisation as a crime against humanity”. The article also mentions that he linked the statement to a call for Palestinian rights, suggesting the resolution intersected with broader geopolitical messaging.

The official AU communiqué speaks of examining a study rather than adopting a resolution, while several media outlets report that a resolution was indeed adopted. The existence of the Togo-led concept note tabled at the 38th session and still in the AU’s repository shows that classification as a crime against humanity has been under formal consideration.

The differences may stem from timing (a draft adopted by the Assembly may not yet appear in public AU press releases) or from how journalists interpreted Youssouf’s press conference.