The President of the Republic made the announcement during a speech on the “future of the partnership” between Africa and France.
On the eve of a tour on the continent, Emmanuel Macron multiplies the announcements. During a speech at the Elysée Palace on Monday, the President of the Republic mentioned an upcoming “framework law” to “proceed with new restitutions” of works of art “for the benefit of African countries which request it.
This law “will be proposed in the coming weeks by the Minister of Culture to our Parliament” and “will make it possible to set the methodology and the criteria for proceeding” with these restitutions, said Emmanuel Macron. All around a “cultural and scientific partnership to welcome and preserve these works”.
The Head of State said he wanted “this approach to be part of a broader dynamic and also a European dynamic”.
Already returned works
In 2021, France had returned to Benin 26 works royal treasures of Abomey, looted in the 19th century by colonial troops.
“It’s a symbolic, moving and historic moment, which was long awaited and unexpected” welcomed the President of the Republic, who then promised to “continue the work”.