Historic Apology for Family's Role in Transatlantic Slavery in France

On April 18, 2024, Pierre Guillon de Prince, an 86-year-old descendant of a prominent Nantes family, issued what is believed to be the first formal apology in France for his family's involvement in transatlantic slavery. His ancestors were shipowners who transported approximately 4,500 enslaved Africans and owned plantations in the Caribbean. Guillon de Prince delivered his apology during a gathering in Nantes, coinciding with the inauguration of an 18-meter replica ship mast, which he and Dieudonné Boutrin, a descendant of enslaved people from Martinique, described as a "beacon of humanity."

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Guillon de Prince emphasized the need for other French families to confront their historical ties to slavery and urged the French government to move beyond symbolic gestures, advocating for reparations as a means to address the past. He stated, “Faced with the rise of racism in our society, I felt a responsibility not to let this past be erased.” Boutrin praised Guillon de Prince's act as courageous, noting that many descendants of slave traders hesitate to speak out due to fears of reopening old wounds.

The Straits Times

France recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001 but has not issued a formal apology for its historical role, unlike some other nations. President Emmanuel Macron has taken steps to expand access to archives related to France's colonial past and announced plans to establish a commission to investigate France's history with Haiti, although he did not mention reparations. The growing calls for reparations include demands for both official apologies and financial compensation, reflecting a broader global movement addressing historical injustices.

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In recent years, various institutions have issued apologies for their roles in slavery. For instance, in 2020, the Bank of England acknowledged the involvement of some of its past governors in the slave trade and pledged to remove their representations from public display. Similarly, Lloyd’s Register, a maritime group, expressed regret for its historical connections to the trafficking of enslaved Africans.

The Guardian

Despite the increasing momentum for reparations, there are dissenting views. Critics argue that contemporary states and institutions should not be held accountable for historical crimes committed by their predecessors. This perspective complicates the discourse surrounding reparations, as it raises questions about the responsibilities of current generations for the actions of those in the past.

The Straits Times

While Guillon de Prince's apology marks a significant moment in France's reckoning with its colonial past, the absence of a formal national apology remains a contentious issue. France's recent abstention from a United Nations resolution that labeled slavery as the "gravest crime against humanity" and called for reparations further highlights the complexities and divisions surrounding this topic.

The Straits Times

• “Faced with the rise of racism in our society, I felt a responsibility not to let this past be erased.” — Pierre Guillon de Prince

The Guardian

• “Pierre's apology is a courageous act.” — Dieudonné Boutrin

The Straits Times

• “Acknowledging this legacy is important for our organisation, the descendants of those affected and those who still live with the consequences of this trafficking, and society as a whole.” — Lloyd’s Register spokesperson

The Guardian