French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned against reducing reparations for slavery to mere financial compensation, stressing that justice for historical wrongs must extend beyond monetary payments.
Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on “Next Steps” under the United Nations Resolution on enslaved Africans in Accra on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Macron emphasized that reparative justice is a multifaceted process that includes truth-telling, education, memorialisation, and restitution.
According to the French leader, addressing the legacy of slavery requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the depth and lasting impact of historical injustices.
“Reparations, because this is also what it comes down to when we speak of justice, can take different forms,” Macron said, referencing earlier remarks and positions highlighted by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. “History cannot be reduced to a simple accounting ledger.”
Macron underscored the importance of preserving historical truth through scientific research, education, and the construction of monuments to honour those affected by slavery. He also called for the return of cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era as part of the reparative process.
“Making reparations is about placing importance on scientific and historical truth; building monuments, teaching, researching. It means returning works of art that were stolen during those periods,” he stated.
The French president further noted that reparations involve addressing unresolved historical grievances, pointing to ongoing engagements with Haiti as an example of efforts to confront the past.
“Reparations also involves the ability to work out situations as we are currently doing with Haiti,” Macron said. “It can be approached from multiple perspectives, but in no case should it be seen as an endpoint—a cheque written to bring the story to a close.”
He maintained that the legacy of slavery remains a living history that must continue to be acknowledged through remembrance, dialogue, and sustained efforts toward justice and reconciliation.
“The history will live on and we must continue to bear its names, memories, faces, and to make amends, make progress, and discuss the future,” he added.
Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at advancing historical recognition and reparative justice.
“I would like to reiterate my commitment to stand with you. You can count on France,” he concluded.
