France Moves to Repeal Code Noir, the 17th Century Slavery Law That Endured for Centuries
PARIS: On Thursday, French lawmakers are set to take a historic step by moving to repeal the Code Noir, or Black Code, a 17th-century law that classified enslaved individuals as property. This legislation, signed by King Louis XIV in 1685, allowed for the brutal treatment of enslaved people, including forced labor, violence, and sexual exploitation. Despite the abolition of slavery in France nearly two centuries ago, the Code Noir had remained in effect until now.
Legislative Action and Historical Context
The bill to repeal the Code Noir is expected to be adopted by the National Assembly. This action comes as a shock to many, particularly given that the law had been effectively ignored for so long. Muriel Jean-Baptiste, a nurse from Paris with roots in Martinique, expressed her disbelief, stating, “A law that treated Black people as property was left sitting there.”
The Code Noir consisted of 60 articles, with Article 44 explicitly declaring enslaved individuals as “movable property.” Other sections mandated severe punishments, including mutilation for those who attempted to escape, and rendered the testimony of enslaved people invalid in legal matters. President Emmanuel Macron remarked that the existence of the Code Noir for nearly two centuries after the abolition of slavery is “no longer an oversight” but “a form of offense.”
Implications for France’s Overseas Departments
France was historically a major player in the transatlantic slave trade, transporting approximately 1.4 million Africans to work on plantations that generated wealth for cities like Nantes and Bordeaux. The four oldest French overseas departments—Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Réunion—were officially integrated into France in 1946, granting their inhabitants French citizenship. However, these territories remain some of the poorest in the nation, with unemployment rates significantly higher than those on the mainland.
Max Mathiasin, a lawmaker from Guadeloupe who proposed the repeal, noted that he was unaware the Code Noir still existed until recently. He described the law as a product of human beings acting against other human beings, emphasizing the need for recognition and restoration of dignity for those affected.
Ongoing Challenges and Systemic Racism
While the repeal of the Code Noir is a significant step, many observers argue that it is merely a symbolic gesture. Max Relouzat, president of the Association for the Memory of Slaveries, highlighted that systemic racism persists in France, particularly in its overseas departments. He criticized the notion of departmentalization, suggesting it merely perpetuates a colonial system. “If the overseas departments are part of France, why is there a ministry for the overseas?” he questioned.
Florence Alexis, a slavery expert, pointed out that the real turning point in addressing France’s colonial past came with the Taubira law in 2001, which recognized slavery as a crime against humanity. She emphasized that racism is a legacy of slavery itself, not just a result of outdated laws.
The Path Forward
The recent discussions around reparations have also gained traction. Macron has indicated that the topic should not be avoided, although he refrained from making any financial commitments. He framed reparative measures as a matter of truth-telling and education rather than direct compensation.
Despite the repeal of the Code Noir, observers remain skeptical about its impact on addressing the deep-rooted issues of racism and inequality in France’s overseas territories. Pierre-Yves Bocquet, deputy director of the Foundation for the Memory of Slavery, stated that the repeal “will have no direct effect” on the current social dynamics.
As France grapples with its colonial legacy, the repeal of the Code Noir marks a pivotal moment, yet many believe it is just one of many steps needed to confront the past and its ongoing implications.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-28 10:27:00 • By the Editorial Desk
