France approves return of African treasures looted during colonial period

French MPs approved the return of the looted historical artifacts from Benin and Senegal, completing the legislative process needed to return the artifacts.

Benin will receive 26 objects from the Béhanzin Palace at the end of the 19th century, including a royal throne, which are currently on display at the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac museum in Paris.

Senegal will recover a 19th century sword once used by a 19th century sheikh. The sword and its scabbard are part of the collection of the French Army Museum but are currently on display in Dakar on long-term loan.

MEPs approved the renditions on Thursday with 48 votes in favor, none against and two abstentions.

Former colonial powers across Europe are facing increasing demands for the return of stolen items, with Britain often in the eye of the storm for the looted items that fill its museum shelves. Critics also flocked to Germany on Wednesday as it opened a renovated museum in Berlin awash with articles from Africa and Asia.

French President Emmanuel Macron is among several European leaders who have pledged to restore ownership of the looted treasures. The country’s museums house tens of thousands of objects, mostly from Africa. Thursday’s agreement stemmed from Macron’s desire to “renew and deepen the partnership between France and the African continent,” Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said.

Benin will receive 26 pieces from the Béhanzin treasure which was looted in 1892, including the throne of King Glele – a centerpiece of some 70,000 African objects kept at the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac museum in Paris. Senegal will regain full ownership of a sword and scabbard that probably belonged to the 19th century military and religious figure Omar Saidou Tall.

The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor, approving the decision on behalf of Parliament after the Senate refused to accept.

Following a previous parliamentary vote in October, Beninese museum chief Alain Godonou said he expected the 26 items to be back in his country “within a year”. An expert report commissioned by Macron in 2018 counted some 90,000 African works in French museums, most of them at Quai Branly.

(with AFP)