(ANSA) – PARIS, 09 NOV – France has officially returned to Benin 26 works of the “royal treasures of Abomey ‘” looted in 1892 by French colonial troops.
To the applause of those present, the ministers of culture of France and Benin, Roselyne Bachelot and Jean-Michel Abimbola, signed in Paris the deed of transfer of ownership of these assets which tomorrow, after 130 years of absence, will return to Benin.
“It is a symbolic, moving and historical moment, which was long awaited and unexpected”, declared President Emmanuel Macron who in 2017 committed himself to returning some pieces of the African heritage present in France. “All the people of Benin express their gratitude”, said for his part the president of Benin, Patrice Talon, who arrived specifically in Paris for the occasion. However, “the return of the 26 works is only one stage”, pointed out the African leader, citing some works that will remain in Paris at the moment and that Benin would like could return home together with the other treasures.
The 26 works currently returned will be shipped to Benin tomorrow on board a special flight with the president. For the occasion, a ceremony in homage to the returned treasures will be celebrated in Cotonou, the most populous city in Benin. Among the works, two totem statues from the ancient kingdom of Aborney as well as the throne of King Béhanzin, looted during the sacking of the Palace of Aborney perpetrated by French colonial troops in 1892. (ANSA).
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Source From: Ansa
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