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PARIS — Nearly two centuries after the abolition of slavery in France, lawmakers are set to repeal the colonial-era Code Noir, a decree that categorized
humans as property. The National Assembly is expected to adopt the bill on Thursday. The Code Noir, established in 1685 by King Louis XIV, governed the treatment of enslaved individuals in France’s colonies, allowing for severe abuses. Its existence has shocked many, revealing a painful chapter in France's history that was never formally addressed.
The Historical Context of Code Noir
The Code Noir's provisions included treating enslaved individuals as chattel, permitting their exploitation and abuse. Article 44 classified them as 'movable property,' while other sections prescribed brutal punishments for escapees and rendered the testimonies of enslaved people worthless.President Emmanuel Macron remarked last week that the continued existence of the Code Noir post-abolition is a profound offense, stating, 'The silence, even the indifference, that we have maintained for nearly two centuries toward this Black Code is no longer an oversight.'
Reactions to the Repeal
The prospect of repealing the Code Noir has elicited a range of responses. Muriel Jean-Baptiste, a nurse with roots in Martinique, expressed her shock at the law's lingering presence, stating, 'A law that treated Black people as property was left sitting there.'For many, the repeal is a significant yet symbolic gesture that underscores France's ongoing struggle to confront its colonial legacy and the systemic racism that persists in its overseas territories.
The Reality of France's Overseas Departments
Despite being integral parts of France, the overseas departments, including Guadeloupe and Martinique, face economic challenges. With a population of approximately 1.9 million, most of whom are descendants of enslaved individuals, these territories experience unemployment rates double those of mainland France.Max Mathiasin, a lawmaker from Guadeloupe, highlighted his surprise upon discovering that the Code Noir had never been formally annulled, stating, 'As the great-great-grandson of people who were enslaved, I had never been able to read it in full.'
The Ongoing Struggle Against Colonial Legacies
Critics argue that repealing the Code Noir is merely a superficial step in addressing the deeper issues of racial inequality and colonial legacies in France. Max Relouzat, president of the Association for the Memory of Slaveries, lamented that systemic racism remains unchallenged, stating, 'If the overseas departments are part of France, why is there a ministry for the overseas?'Florence Alexis, an expert on slavery, pointed out that the true transformation began with the Taubira law in 2001, which recognized slavery as a crime against humanity, indicating that legislative changes alone are insufficient to combat ingrained racism.
Future Considerations for Reparations
In a recent address, Macron mentioned the possibility of reparations, a topic France has long avoided. He framed reparations as a matter of truth-telling and education rather than financial compensation, emphasizing the need for historical reflection.Despite these discussions, many remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such measures, with some asserting that the repeal of the Code Noir will not directly impact efforts to combat racism and inequality in France's overseas territories.
