Macron supports symbolic repeal of slavery laws, cautions on reparations

African coverage highlights Macron’s admission that France must address how to repair the damage from slavery, while noting his hesitation on direct payments. Commentators in Africa stress that former colonial powers, including France, should consider concrete economic measures for countries and communities harmed by the slave trade. They also point to a gap between symbolic acts in Paris and the expectations of African societies for tangible change.

• •African commentators emphasise that France’s recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity should lead to material reparations for African states and diasporas.
• •Macron’s warning against "false promises" is seen as a sign that France may avoid large‑scale financial payments.
• •African voices call for debt relief, investment, and fairer trade terms as forms of slavery‑related repair.
• •Some African analysts argue that symbolic steps like repealing the Code Noir do little to change current economic imbalances.
• •African media link France’s slavery debate to wider calls for reparations from European countries involved in the transatlantic slave trade.