Macron to address reparatory justice conference in Accra

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to address a significant High-Level Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra, Ghana, from June 17 to 19, 2026. The confirmation came from Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who stated that Macron has accepted an invitation from President John Dramani Mahama to speak at the event.

During his address, President Macron is expected to engage in dialogue concerning historical injustices faced by Africans and articulate France's stance on reparatory justice. This engagement follows remarks Macron made during an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of France's law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity, where he signaled plans for increased involvement in historical accountability and justice issues.

President Mahama has welcomed Macron's approach, describing it as "honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership." This initiative aligns with a Ghana-led UN General Assembly resolution adopted on March 25, 2026, which garnered support from 123 member states. The resolution urged member states to engage constructively on reparatory justice and recognized the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity.

The conference, held under President Mahama's capacity as the African Union Champion for Reparations, will convene world leaders, foreign ministers, academics, historians, jurists, activists, and representatives from international organizations. Discussions will focus on the future of the reparations agenda through three main panels: Global Advisory, Restitution, and Legal Pathways. Key topics will include legal options, accountability measures, the return of cultural heritage, and institutional reforms. A special Juneteenth commemoration is also scheduled for June 19, 2026, at Christiansborg Castle in Osu, a site historically linked to the transatlantic slave trade.

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honest, open, conciliatory and exemplary leadership