The Embassy of Morocco in Ethiopia, in partnership with UNESCO and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), hosted a high-level discussion Tuesday on restitution, cultural rights, and memory.
The event was held under the African Union’s 2026 theme on justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.
Prominent historian Alula Pankhurst (Prof.) urged Africa to adopt strategic approaches. He called for pragmatic solutions to bypass complex legal barriers, including long-term loans.
He stressed moral arguments and “low-hanging fruit” such as human remains, sacred objects, manuscripts, and symbolic items.
“Inter-African cooperation must deepen,” he said, adding that rapid responses are needed to stop auctions and illicit sales.
Examples of repatriation were highlighted.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo recovered more than 2,000 objects in 2021, though over 100,000 remain abroad.
- Egypt reclaimed 30,000 artifacts from the U.S. and hundreds more from France.
- Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and others continue efforts through restitution and purchases.
Benin’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Herve Djokpe urged decolonizing memory.
“Restitution should not be seen as a favor,” he said. “It is about people of African descent knowing their history.” He added that restitution must go beyond objects, finance, or services. “We are also requesting that people of African descent return home, to know their past and their history.”
Cuba’s Ambassador Lucas Domigo Hernandez Polledo called for South-South cooperation. He proposed festivals to show the lives of enslaved people and schools dedicated to restitution. He also urged the establishment of restitution schools and intellectual exchanges.
