JusticeInfo
Menu
Countries
Close menu
Sign up to the newsletter
Search

Benin - News according to Justice Info

What is it all about?

Our news on Benin, clear and analytic

Benin had recovered 26 treasures stolen from the Kingdom of Abomey in November 2021 – a direct consequence of French colonialism –, 130 years after the crimes committed by the colonizers. This was the result of French President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to return Africa's cultural heritage, as one of the largest collections of African art remains in France. This restitution process is part of the toolkit of international justice. However, it has been delayed by construction work at the Portuguese fort in Ouidah which is supposed to house the stolen artworks until they return to Abomey. Justice Info’s articles bear witness to this sensitive issue through analyses and expert insights, bringing 100% independent information.

Restitution of a cultural artifact from Finland to Benin. Photo: Mari-Leena Talvitie, Finnish Minister of Science and Culture, hands over a royal stool formerly looted by France to Benin's Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jean-Michel Abimbola.
Benin: the faint breath of restitutions
20 May 2025 by Rachida Houssou
Looted by the French, returned by Finland, a Kataklè, a three-legged royal stool used for the coronation of Beninese kings, was discreetly returned last week to Benin, where questions are being raised about the State’s policy on the return and exposure of such artefacts.
Restitution to Benin - Restituted statue finally packed in a box Why treasures returned to Benin are still in boxes
7 April 2023 by Rachida Houssou
The November 2021 restitution of 26 art works stolen by French colonists from the Kingdom of Dahomey, in present-day Benin, was celebrated as a model. But these treasures that Benin’s people should finally be able to admire again [...]
A cargo plane unloads the royal treasures at Cotonou airport (Benin) Benin celebrates return of stolen heritage 130 years on
12 November 2021 by Rachida Houssou
It is done! On November 10, Benin received 12 boxes containing 26 royal treasures stolen by colonial France. This was a historic day when Beninese people turned out to celebrate the return of these works after 130 years away from [...]
3D aerial view of the future musuem of Abomey, in Benin Colonial crimes: Benin prepares for the return of its cultural heritage
23 July 2021 by Rachida Houssou
Five years after its official request for the restitution of its cultural heritage to France, Benin is getting closer to its goal. The return of 26 works looted during the colonial era has been set for 30 October. All the infrastr [...]
Newsletter
All Justice Info publications delivered to your inbox every week
I register for free
15 March 2019 by Thierry Cruvellier
Alain Godonou: "We need an international convention to return African art" JUSTICEINFO.NET IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS Alain Godonou Director of the Museums Programme at the National Agency for Heritage Promotion and Tourism Development in Benin Founder and first director of the School of African Heritage, Benin [...]