France simplifies the procedure for returning cultural property to former colonies
The French National Assembly has unanimously adopted a law that will speed up the return of artworks and historical artifacts taken from the country’s former colonies. The decision marks an important step in implementing the policy initiated by President Emmanuel Macron.
The bill covers items removed between 1815 and 1972 — before the UNESCO convention on the protection of cultural heritage came into force. Previously, the process of returning artifacts was extremely complex, delaying negotiations with Algeria, Mali, and Benin for years.
How will the new mechanism work?
The law sets clear rules. The requesting country must submit an official request and prove that it can ensure proper storage and public display of the items.
A special expert commission will then examine evidence that the objects were taken illegally or by force. At the same time, state archives and military property are not covered by the law.
The return of cultural heritage is not only an act of historical justice but also a way to strengthen international relations. A recent example is the return to Côte d’Ivoire of the sacred Djidji Ayokwe drum, taken more than a century ago.
The new law makes such processes systematic. African nations will now be able to regain access to their history, which for decades had been kept outside their homelands in private collections and European museums.
ORIENT
