French President – Reparations for slavery must go beyond financial compensation

French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasised that reparations for slavery should not be limited to financial payments, arguing that meaningful justice must also include historical truth, education, memorialisation and the restitution of cultural heritage.

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 said discussions on reparative justice must recognise the broader responsibility of addressing the enduring legacy of slavery and colonial exploitation.

The French leader noted that reparations can take various forms and should focus on preserving historical memory while acknowledging the suffering endured by enslaved peoples and their descendants.

“Reparations, because this is also what it comes down to when we speak of justice, can take different forms as I mentioned several days ago and as John Dramani Mahama has underlined on several occasions,” he said.

“History cannot be reduced to a simple accounting ledger. Making reparations is about placing this importance of scientific and historical truth; building monuments, teaching, researching. It means returning the works of art that were stolen during those periods.”

Macron further explained that reparative efforts should include resolving historical grievances that continue to affect nations and communities today, citing France’s ongoing engagement with Haiti as an example of addressing the long-term consequences of slavery and colonialism.