This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
On December 16, 2019, President Emmanuel Macron made a significant pledge to return 26 artefacts to Benin, marking a major shift in France's approach to repatriating looted artworks.
The artefacts, including a royal throne, were seized by French troops over a century ago and have been housed at the Quai Branly museum in Paris.
According to a statement made by French Minister Riester, the artworks would be returned 'in the course of 2020, perhaps at the beginning of 2021' as he met with Benin's president Patrice Talon in Cotonou.
Benin has welcomed France's decision, but has cautioned against a rushed return, citing the need to build a proper facility to showcase the heritage.
Benin's culture minister Jean-Michel Abimbola expressed gratitude for the French President's commitment to return the artworks and welcomed the opening of a broader discussion on other artefacts.
The Kingdom of Dahomey, which became modern-day Benin, reached its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries and was a major source of slaves for European traders before being conquered by Paris in the 1890s.
