Macron wants ‘forgiveness’ for colonialism.

• Macron seeks “forgiveness” for France’s colonization of Madagascar.

• He emphasizes the deeply painful history of Madagascar’s presence.

• Macron emphasizes the need for forgiveness and the return of cultural artifacts.

• He plans to return cultural items taken from Madagascar by French occupiers, including a king’s skull.

• Madagascar, the fifth-largest island, was under French colonial rule from the 19th century until 1960.

• Macron calls for collaboration between historians from both countries for reconciliation.