the restitution of works of art stolen by France

While traveling in Benin, Emmanuel Macron will visit an exhibition containing works of art looted by French colonial troops. The restitution of these objects has a strong symbolic value. This action is more broadly in line with the Head of State’s desire to be transparent about France’s colonial past. “Last year, for the first time, France returned works stolen during the colonial period to an African country”recalls Christelle Méral, live from the presidential palace in Cotonou (Benin).

This should go even further since next year, the French government wants to pass a framework law in Parliament to continue the return of stolen works to African countries. Tuesday July 26, in Yaoundé (Cameroon), “Emmanuel Macron has agreed to shed light on France’s actions and the fierce repression of Cameroonian separatists, in particular by the French army”, continues the journalist. A commission with French and Cameroonian historians will be created and it will report within two years.