France returned to Benin on Tuesday, November 9, 26 works from the royal treasures of Abomey looted in the 19th century by colonial troops and kept so far at the Quai Branly museum.
On this occasion, President Emmanuel Macron receives his Beninese counterpart, Patrice Talon, at the Elysee Palace to “formally validate their transfer of ownership”.
The works will reach Benin on Wednesday.
Among these works of art are totem statues from the ancient kingdom of Abomey as well as the throne of King Béhanzin, looted during the sacking of the Abomey Palace by colonial troops in 1892.
The Ministers of Culture of the two countries, Roselyne Bachelot and Jean-Michel Abimbola, will sign the deed of transfer of ownership from France to Benin, allowing the works to return to their country after nearly 130 years of absence.
This solemn ceremony marks the last stage of an unprecedented process initiated with the promise made in 2017 by Emmanuel Macron to proceed with restitution of African heritage in France.
>> France, the spearhead of the restitution of African art objects
Return of works of art in Benin: time of departure
01:42
With AFP
The summary of the week
France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 application
google-play-badge_FR