Finland returned a looted treasure to Africa, say the young people: “Everything that belongs to us must return”

In recent years, looted objects in the colonial period have become a big topic of discussion in both Europe and Africa.

Finland has returned to Benin a historically significant object looted during the colonial period.

It is a royal ceremonial throne taken from the palace by colonial France in the late 19th century from the Kingdom of Dahomey. Dahomey was located in what is now Benin in West Africa.

Representatives of the Finnish National Museum handed over the object to the Beninese government today, Tuesday, in Cotonou, Benin’s largest city:

The debate on the return of objects is heating up

In recent years, objects robbed during the colonial era have become a big topic in both Europe and Africa.

There are still hundreds of thousands of objects in the European museums, which colonial powers carried out their ship. In Africa, many are demanding them more and more strongly.

At YLE Street Gallu in Cotonou, young people said that Benin’s cultural heritage should be located in Benin.

Despite the promises, Macron’s France has returned only a small number of objects to Africa. In Benin, France returned 26 items robbed of the royal palace in 2021.

The seat now restored by Finland complements this collection.

French return over three years ago was received by Benin with spectacular festivities. When the objects were exhibited, hundreds of thousands of people went to see them in a short time.

Benin has also been featured in Benin in the media and in Somme.