French Cabinet reviews bill to speed up artefact returns to Africa
The proposed law would make it easier to return artefacts taken through force, theft, or looting between 1815 and 1972, when France controlled many African territories.
France has introduced a new bill that would allow its government to return African cultural artefacts without needing approval from Parliament, in a move meant to speed up the long and often delayed return process.
The bill, recently presented to the French Cabinet by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, supports a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron in 2017 to return African cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period.
More To Read
- Wetang’ula rejects claims of bias, says Constitution allows political affiliation
- Senate committee rejects bid to scrap vetting timelines for public appointments
- France urges EU to pressure Israel on two-state solution after pledging to recognise Palestine
- AU welcomes France’s planned recognition of Palestine as a step towards peace
- France to officially recognise Palestinian state in September, Emmanuel Macron announces
- Parliament raises concerns over ODPP’s 'special fund' proposal
The proposed law would make it easier to return artefacts taken through force, theft, or looting between 1815 and 1972, when France controlled many African territories.
Until now, French law required a separate bill to be passed in Parliament for each item returned, a slow and difficult process that often took years.
"The text I presented this morning to the Council of Ministers is a powerful act and a powerful ambition! For peace, for the recognition of memories, and for the renewal of our relations with countries that were wronged," Dati said in a post on X.
According to Africa News, if passed, the new law would allow the government to return artefacts by decree, but only after meeting several conditions.
First, a joint scientific committee would need to prove that the object was taken in illegal or violent ways, after which France's top administrative court would need to approve the return.
Only objects meant for public display would be considered, with Items such as military goods, state archives and archaeological finds excluded.
Although the law seeks to remove a major barrier, some say it won't speed up returns as much as hoped. According to Senator Catherine Morin-Desailly, who is a member of France's cultural commission, every case still requires detailed legal and historical review, which takes time.
Similarly, Senator Pierre Ouzoulias has criticised the bill's timing, stating the government is rushing a complex issue after years of inaction. He subsequently called for an independent scientific body to oversee the process.
The French Senate is expected to vote on the new bill on September 24.
Top Stories Today
