(Agence Ecofin) – Since France’s promises in 2017 to return African cultural works looted during colonization, full restitution has been slow. After the 26 objects returned to Benin in 2021, the Palais Bourbon is slow to decide on a law to allow the continuation of restitutions.
In France, a framework law aimed at facilitating the restitution of cultural objects looted during the colonial era and which was to be submitted to Parliament since April had been postponed until the fall. News which had aroused skepticism among African countries, especially since it has not been mentioned for several weeks.
« The postponement of the promised law is a shock for us. We have the feeling that it’s dragging on, that it can drag on again. We would obviously like it to go faster » said Alain Godonou, the director of the “Museums” program in Benin in a column published by The World.
The return of Beninese cultural works still present in France is decisive for the country’s cultural tourism projects. Benin, for example, planned to open its Vodoun Museum in 2024 with the presence of the statue of the god “Gou” (deity of iron and blacksmiths, Editor’s note.) still in France.
Countries like Nigeria and Senegal are also affected by the silence of French parliamentarians on the subject. France holds around 90,000 objects from the cultural heritage of sub-Saharan Africa, several countries of which have made culture an important element of economic planning. They count in particular on these works to attract tourists.
The first objects returned to Benin were the subject of an exhibition which attracted thousands of people, both nationals and tourists. It is therefore with impatience that the decision that the French Parliament will take is awaited.
Servan Ahougnon
Senegal
