Micah Jonah, April 19, 2026
A French national in his 80s has issued a formal apology for his family’s historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, in what is regarded as a first of its kind in France.
The individual, Pierre Guillon de Prince, whose ancestors were shipowners based in Nantes, acknowledged their role in transporting enslaved Africans and operating plantations in the Caribbean.
He made the apology during a public event in Nantes, a location historically associated with France’s involvement in the slave trade.
According to available historical records, French ships transported an estimated 1.3 million Africans during the transatlantic slave trade, which spanned several centuries.
Guillon de Prince stated that his decision was driven by a sense of responsibility to acknowledge the past and encourage broader reflection within French society.
The event was held alongside Dieudonne Boutrin, a descendant of enslaved people from Martinique, with both individuals working through an organisation focused on promoting awareness of slavery history.
The apology coincided with the unveiling of a symbolic installation intended to represent remembrance and historical reflection.
France officially recognised slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001 but has not issued a formal state apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The development comes amid ongoing international discussions on historical accountability, with increasing calls for measures such as official apologies and reparations linked to the legacy of slavery.
The situation continues to generate attention as efforts to address historical injustices evolve across different regions.
