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For decades, former West African French colonies fought for the return of their artefacts stolen during colonial wars in the 19th century. In 2016, Benin Republic’s President Patrice Talon, officially asked France for the restitution of the objects taken from King Behanzin’s castle in Abomey in 1893 by French soldiers. On November 28th, 2017, in Ouagadougou, during an official visit in Burkina-Faso, French President Emmanuel Macron committed to actively work toward the temporary or final return of African art. He stated that African art should be exhibited in Africa. As well as that it would require diverse entities (scientists and museums) to set an unprecedented framework to allow a restitution of African artwork to African countries. It became effective on November 10th, 2021. 26 objects returned to the Republic of Benin.

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