France Proposes New Legislation for Restitution of African Cultural Artifacts

On July 30, 2025, the French government introduced a substantial legislative proposal aimed at facilitating the return of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin, particularly focusing on those from Africa that were acquired during colonial times. This initiative, presented in a Council of Ministers meeting, aims to streamline the restitution process and reaffirm France's commitment to addressing historical injustices.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati characterized the bill as a "strong act" that fosters reconciliation and acknowledges historical memories, emphasizing the importance of improving France's relational dynamics with affected nations. The legislation specifically targets cultural properties obtained through illicit means—including theft, pillaging, or coercion—between 1815 and 1972.

Under this new framework, the restitution of these cultural items will be based on decrees from the Conseil d'État and documented evidence of their wrongful appropriation, rather than necessitating unique laws for each item. This approach is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers and expedite the return process.

Despite the initiatives made by the bill, France has faced mounting criticism for its slow response in repatriating cultural artifacts compared to other nations. Since 2021, the country has returned only 26 items to Benin and a talking drum to Côte d'Ivoire. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has been more proactive, recently returning 32 items to Ghana over a six-year time frame. Notably, it is estimated that around 300,000 artifacts from Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Americas continue to reside within French institutions, primarily accrued during the colonial era.

This new legislative effort is part of France's broader commitment to cultural restitution, following previous laws targeting Nazi-looted property and human remains. The current proposal aims not only to restore physical artifacts but also to foster a symbolic sense of reparation between France and the countries vying for the return of their heritage, marking a critical stride towards rectifying historical abuses.