France Passes Law to Return Artifacts

Why this is here: The law follows Macron stating in 2017 that he wanted conditions met within five years for the return of African heritage to Africa, a goal not yet fully realized.

French President Emmanuel Macron signed a new law on May 6 and 7 to allow the return of cultural property to foreign countries. The law follows decades of debate and a 2017 speech in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where Macron first called for the return of African heritage. He noted roughly 90% of African artifacts are currently outside the continent.

The passage of this law required a change in attitude among museum staff, politicians, and the public. Museums are now conducting more research into the origins of artworks. Countries like Benin and Côte d'Ivoire have prepared for returns by building or renovating museum spaces.

The article notes the law’s progress was not without setbacks. A 2024 column in Le Monde criticized France for delaying restitutions. While a 2021 poll showed over half of Britons support returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, the article does not detail how many objects France will return or a timeline for doing so.