French Government's Commitment to Return Art and Cultural Objects to Africa

SOURCE www.npr.org
French President Emmanuel Macron's commitment to return art and cultural objects to Africa has stalled, despite a public pledge made nearly a decade ago. The process of returning objects from French museums to Africa faces legislative hurdles and reluctance to confront France's colonial history in Africa.

Key Points

  • French President Emmanuel Macron's pledge to return African heritage to Africa in 2017
  • Challenges in determining the origins of objects in French museum collections
  • Legislative barriers to returning objects without parliamentary approval
  • Reluctance to address France's colonial past in Africa

Pros

  • Increased awareness and discussion around the provenance of art and cultural objects in French museums
  • Recognition of the importance of returning objects to their countries of origin

Cons

  • Legislative challenges in releasing objects from French museum collections without parliamentary approval
  • Reluctance to confront France's colonial history in Africa