Today, UNESCO is organizing a major conference on the restitution of looted cultural property, bringing together the 54 African countries, international experts and heritage representatives. The objective: facilitate the return of works to their countries of originand strengthen cooperation between States and institutions.
Faced with increasing pressure civil society and new generations, several European countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany, have initiated a restitution process, although the procedures remain complex and often limited to temporary loans.
The discussions will focus on the new forms of agreements facilitating these restitutions, the Strengthening African museums, as well as on the training of heritage professionalsThe conference is part of the African Union's 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations”.
While treasures like those of the Kingdom of Abomey have already been returned to Benin, this meeting could mark a decisive step forward for other nations seeking cultural and historical justice.
