French slavery law repealed: 'Now we can start talking about reparations,' historian says
Summary
France has repealed the Code Noir, a law from colonial times that regulated slavery and treated enslaved people as property. Although slavery was abolished in 1848, this law remained until last week. Historians say this repeal opens the door to discussions about reparations for slavery.Key Facts
- The Code Noir was a French law that controlled slavery in colonies.
- It allowed enslaved people to be treated as property, including being sold or abused.
- France officially ended slavery in 1848.
- Despite abolition, the Code Noir law stayed on the books until it was repealed in 2026.
- The repeal was unanimous in the French government.
- Historian Olivette Otele said this repeal enables conversations about reparations—compensation for slavery’s harm.
- President Macron supported the symbolic repeal but warned about making false promises on reparations.
- The United Nations has called the African slave trade the "gravest crime against humanity."
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.