Memory as Reconciliation

In February 1985, to mark the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, then Governor General, unveiled the Monument aux Esclaves at Pointe Canon, Mahebourg. The memorial was erected to honour the resilience of enslaved people and to commemorate their struggle for freedom.

For Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, it was more than a monument. It was a declaration that Mauritius must face its past honestly in order to build reconciliation and unity among all its communities. His commitment to social justice and racial harmony was evident in his active support for the project.

The site became a venue for cultural and community events, with an open-air theatre anchoring it within the life of Mahebourg. Though Le Morne has since become the central site of slavery remembrance, the Pointe Canon monument remains a powerful symbol of emancipation. That same year, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute hosted an international conference on slavery with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s backing, further demonstrating his dedication to memory and dialogue.