Accra: French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that discussions on reparations for slavery should extend beyond mere financial compensation, advocating for broader initiatives such as truth-telling, education, memorialization, and restitution.
According to Ghana Web, Macron addressed the High-Level Consultative Conference on 'Next Steps' under the 'United Nations Resolution on Enslaved Africans' in Accra on June 18, 2026. He underscored that reparative justice should not be seen as simply a monetary settlement. Macron elaborated that reparations can take various forms aimed at acknowledging historical injustices and preserving the memory of slavery.
Macron stated, "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. History cannot be reduced to a simple accounting ledger. Making reparations is about placing the importance of scientific and historical truth; building monuments, teaching, and researching. It means returning the works of art that were stolen during those periods."
He further explained that reparative justice involves addressing lingering historical issues, citing ongoing discussions with Haiti as an example. "Reparations also involve the ability to work out situations as we are currently doing with Haiti. 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," Macron said.
Macron stressed that the legacy of slavery is an ongoing historical reality that necessitates continued remembrance, dialogue, and efforts toward restitution. "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 also confirmed France's willingness to support global efforts aimed at historical recognition and reparative justice. "I would like to reiterate my commitment to stand with you. You can count on France," he stated.