African art could be heading ‘home’

France is looking for ways to allow the restitution of African artworks from its museums and public spaces after President Macron said on a visit to Burkina Faso that he wants action in five years.

It is said 90% of African art is not in Africa and Mr Macron wants “temporary or permanent restitution of African heritage to Africa”.

It is a turnaround as France has denied restitution since 1566 and says that once works are in a museum they became public property. Museums like the Louvre and Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac have full displays of African art. Unesco director Audrey Azou­lay added pressure saying young people questioned why works had not been returned, with thoughts “more on ethics than statutes” and looking at boosting African identity and tourist value.

Now a cultural committee is to look at ways of proceeding, including ways for French artworks to go on display in African museums.