Story perspectives

Macron Pushes Code Noir Repeal After Ghana Research Partnership

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Emmanuel Macron announced a joint research project with Ghana to study slavery’s long-term effects and advise policymakers.
He endorsed repealing the Code Noir and urged fast-tracking the bill through parliament.
The National Assembly law committee backed the repeal bill on Wednesday, sending it to both chambers for a vote.
Guadeloupean senator Victorien Lurel condemned France’s abstention from a UN slavery resolution as a moral and diplomatic mistake.

History

Historical Context

In April 1848 the French Second Republic issued the Decree of Abolition, freeing 251,019 enslaved people across Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion and other colonies, with Martinique acting on 23 May. The 1849 compensation law paid former owners 126 million francs, a legacy invoked today as President Emmanuel Macron and Senator Victorien Lurel press Ghana to repeal the Code Noir and address colonial injustices.

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Story summary

President Emmanuel Macron announced a joint research project with Ghana to study slavery’s long-term effects and advise policymakers.
He endorsed repealing the Code Noir and urged fast-tracking the bill through parliament.
The National Assembly law committee backed the repeal bill on Wednesday, sending it to both chambers for a vote.
Guadeloupean senator Victorien Lurel condemned France’s abstention from a UN slavery resolution as a moral and diplomatic mistake.

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