THIS IS AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION

African leaders and state representatives of the African Union are being called on to urgently mobilize and stand with African Americans in combatting systemic racism that is costing their lives. On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd, a father, a son, and a  law abiding African American was murdered by a law enforcement officer. This racism-induced crime was the final straw for many and the spark that illuminated hundreds of other cases of police brutality. There has been a global uproar in protests for reformation, numerous individuals/groups rising to bring awareness, yet little to no affirmative action taken by the African Union. Commission chairman, Moussa Faki strongly condemned the murder of Floyd and extended his condolences to Floyd's family, while the AU chairperson, Cyril Ramaphosa also spoke out encouraging global solidarity and the banding "together to end racial violence."

However, statements of solidarity alone are not enough at this time. We, the people, are calling for immediate action. African Americans are being murdered by the very hands put in place to serve and protect them. It is understood that the implementation of intervention comes with its own obstacles, however the AU can seek the authorization of the UN Security Council (requirement under Article 53 of the UN Charter) to carry out an intervention. Article 1 of the UN Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice clearly states that "the diversity of life styles and the right to be different may not, in any circumstances, serve as a pretext for racial prejudice; they may not justify either in law or in fact any discriminatory practice whatsoever." Blatant discrimination and racial killing is not only a punishable crime, but also one that calls for reform and international intervention. African leaders need to individually and also collectively open direct dialogue addressing the breach of international law and ongoing violation of human rights. 

Dr Abiy Ahmed, in particular, as recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (2019) and Prime Minister of Ethiopia (home of the African Union)- your participation is required. We implore you to act in accordance with your role as an advocate for peace and an example for other leaders. It is understood that there are pressing issues facing Ethiopia, amidst a global pandemic, but the weight of racial injustice is far too heavy and one that can no longer be disregarded. The people are calling for accurate prosecution of the officers who have murdered innocent US citizens, for the dismantling/restructuring of the US police force and an audit of the US justice system. Racism is a global pandemic. Any virus that is killing mankind on a large scale is a global pandemic. As such, your silence is lethal.

How may the African Union and its state representatives intervene to bring about sustainable change?

• The AU can start by calling an immediate meeting of its leaders and state representatives to address the years of racial injustice and oppression of African Americans in the US and assemble an official request for intervention. The United Nations being the only international organization with the right to decide on enforcement action, the meeting needs to be followed by a request made by the AU to the UN. In accordance with human rights laws and anti-racism regulations put in place by the UN itself, the UN is obligated to take necessary measures to ensure justice is served and sustainable anti-racism measures are implemented in the US.