On 29 and 30 July, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga participated in the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, which took place in Accra, Ghana. The biennial event was held under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, which aligns with the African Union’s theme for 2025. Notably, this theme has been extended into the Decade of Reparations (2026–2036), reflecting a broader and long-term commitment to addressing historical injustices. The opening statements highlighted the importance of addressing and exploring the theme of reparations in all its dimensions —historical, cultural, economic, and institutional, moving beyond a purely moral or historical debate. Speakers emphasized the need for close collaboration between Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the African Union to advance this agenda effectively.

Keynote statements were delivered by several high-level dignitaries, including the President of Ghana, John Mahama, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Akwabla Samuel. President Mahama’s remarks particularly underscored the importance of opening democratic space and fostering dialogue as essential pillars in the construction of democracy and state-building.

Additional remarks were delivered by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Wilson Almeida Adão, Chairperson of the African Governance Architecture and the African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Platform.

The High-Level dialogue highlighted the diaspora and civil society’s shared role in justice, democracy, and state-building, calling for stronger AU representation, trust with governments, and wider promotion of initiatives like the diaspora passport. They urged comprehensive reparations, reform of global finance and the UN Security Council, and greater use of media to unite Africa.