Seven years after President Emmanuel Macron's 2017 speech in Burkina Faso urging for the restitution of African heritage, France has seen little progress. Notable returns include ceremonial items to Benin and Senegal, as well as a drum to Ivory Coast, all of which were looted during colonial rule. However, structural legal challenges have hindered the process, deeply embedded in the French law of inalienability. Although Macron advocated for easier restitution, political inertia and complexities have stifled these ambitions. Interestingly, other countries have embraced Macron's call more efficiently, highlighting a significant disparity in restitution efforts across Europe.
In the years since Macron's speech, France has made minimal progress in returning African heritage, with most significant actions involving ceremonial objects for Benin, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
Macron has faced significant challenges in pushing forward restitution efforts in France, as legislative hurdles and a lack of political momentum have stalled the ambitious plans he outlined in 2017.
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