If the 2018 Sarr- Savoy report sought to free looted African artefacts from the long detention in French museums, it can be said that the report entitled Shared Heritage: Universality, Restitutions, and Circulation of Works of Art, by Martinez, is clearly aimed at restraining African artefacts from leaving French museums or at any rate to ensure that a considerable number of them remain in France.
If the French government and parliament adopt it, there is a risk that the spirit of the Sarr-Savoy report is buried. Opoku aims his arrows at Martinez suggestion in relation to the statue of the Fon god of war, Gou.
When France restituted twenty-six artefacts to the Republic of Benin in 2022, this famous statue was not on the list. Beninese President Talon expressed his dissatisfaction when accepting the 26, and repeated this during Macron’s visit in July 2022.
If Martinez’ advise is followed, the Fon god might become a French-Fon god of war.
The second link is to Martinez’ report [ in French ].
