French President Agrees To Return African Artworks 'Stolen' From Benin Republic

Forum 5 years ago

French President Agrees To Return African Artworks 'Stolen' From Benin Republic

Report has it that the president of France, Emmanuel Macron has agreed to immediately return 26 African artworks claimed by Benin, Edo state, Nigeria.

It was gathered that the decision on Friday came shortly after Macron received a report detailing how former colonisers can return looted artworks to Africa.

According to AFP, government officials from Ethiopia to Senegal eagerly awaited the report, commissioned by Macron and compiled by French art historian, Benedicte Savoy, and Senegalese economist Felwine Sarr. 

It recommends that the thousands of items in French museums taken without consent during the colonial period be returned to the continent.

Unless it can be proven that the objects were obtained legitimately, they should be returned to Africa permanently, the report's authors say.

French law currently forbids the government from ceding state property, regardless of how it was obtained.