Macron seeks 'forgiveness' for colonialism on Madagascar visit
The Hindu
President Macron seeks forgiveness for France's colonial past in Madagascar, including returning cultural artifacts taken during occupation.
President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (April 24, 2025) during a visit to Madagascar he wanted to work toward "forgiveness" for France's colonisation of the Indian Ocean island, including with the return of cultural artifacts.
"Our presence here is not innocent, and our history has been written... with deeply painful pages," Mr. Macron said during a remembrance ceremony at the former royal palace in the capital, Antananarivo.
"Only you can make this journey of forgiveness," he said after a visit of the palace with Princess Fenosoa Ralandison Ratsimamanga.
"But we are creating the conditions for it, by making it possible... to mourn what is no longer."
Mr. Macron highlighted the planned return of various cultural items taken from the island by its French occupiers, including the skull of a king decapitated in 1897 by French troops and taken to France as a trophy.
"These human remains belong here and nowhere else," he said.
The fifth-largest island in the world, known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources but burdened by high poverty, Madagascar was under French colonial rule from the 19th century until 1960, when it gained full independence.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
Deadly bus crash in Malaysia kills 15, including university students, raising concerns about road safety in the country.
Four Japanese soldiers injured by unexploded ordnance at Okinawa facility, injuries not life-threatening, cause under investigation.
Experience the beauty of the Strawberry Moon rising over the horizon at dusk on June 10, 2025.
Donkey prices soar in Pakistan due to high demand from China for ejiao, posing challenges for local wage workers.
Israeli Army retrieves Hamas military chief's body from Gaza tunnel, exposing Hamas's use of civilian infrastructure as shields.
World leaders, scientists, and advocates gather in Nice to confront ocean threats and push for marine protection.
Iran expands nationwide ban on walking dogs in public due to health, social, and safety concerns, sparking controversy.
Thailand and Cambodia aim to resolve border clash through talks, Cambodia seeks ICJ intervention for impartial resolution.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on historic ISS mission, calling preparations an "amazing journey" and feeling fortunate.
Russian paramilitary group Wagner exits Mali, replaced by Moscow-run Africa Corps; Mali shifts allegiance from France to Russia.
Iran rejects U.S. nuclear deal proposal lacking sanctions relief, accusing Americans of dishonesty in ongoing negotiations.
Shallow 6.3-magnitude earthquake hits central Colombia, causing panic in Bogota and surrounding areas, high seismic activity zone.
Iran obtains sensitive Israeli documents on nuclear sites, no immediate Israeli response to breach, potential security threat.