An 86-year-old man, Pierre Guyon de Princes, has issued what appears to be the first formal apology by a Frenchman for his family’s historical role in transatlantic slavery. His ancestors were ship owners in Nantes, a major hub for the transport of enslaved Africans, involved in the transportation of about 4,500 individuals and ownership of Caribbean plantations.
During an event in Nantes, Prince emphasized the need for other French families to confront their historical ties to slavery, advocating for more than just symbolic acts, including reparations, especially in light of rising racism. He stated, “I felt a responsibility not to erase this past,” highlighting the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices.
Alongside Dieudonné Boutrin, a descendant of enslaved individuals, they unveiled a replica ship’s mast symbolizing their commitment to “breaking the silence” around slavery. Boutrin called Prince’s apology a courageous act, noting that many descendants of slave traders hesitate to speak out for fear of reopening old wounds.
While France recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001, it has never formally apologized for its complicity. Recent efforts under President Macron have included expanding access to colonial archives and committing to a review of France’s history with Haiti, albeit without mentioning reparations. In contrast, institutions in the UK, like Lloyd’s Register and the Bank of England, have issued formal apologies for their roles in the slave trade, acknowledging their historical ties and the ongoing impacts of slavery.
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