Restitution of cultural property: Benin demands 35 works from France, including the statue of the god Gou

A new step toward the restitution of African cultural property was taken on October 5, 2026, during the visit to Paris by Beninese President Romuald Wadagni. According to RFI, Cotonou has submitted a second official request for more than thirty works held in France. This move follows the first successful return of 26 royal treasures of Danhomè that took place in November 2021.

To successfully carry out these diplomatic and technical procedures, Benin and France have formalized the creation of a joint scientific committee. The Beninese team, made official by decree in March 2026, is led by heritage expert Alain Godonou. It brings together six specialists, including art historian Marie-Cécile Zinsou. On the French side, appointments are currently being finalized.

The request submitted by Benin concerns exactly 35 historical objects from Abomey, Kétou, and Porto-Novo. Among these pieces are Amazon amulets, a divination rosary, and the throne of King Toffa. The centerpiece remains the iron statue of the god Gou, the deity of iron and the forge honoring King Glèlè, whose son Béhanzin was a figure of anti-colonial resistance.

According to RFI, the Beninese authorities expect an initial response from the French side by mid-October 2026. Negotiations spanning approximately one month will follow this preliminary opinion. At the end of these consultations, Paris will specify whether the restitution will cover all the requested pieces or only a selection of these treasures of Beninese heritage.

Our perspective

The recovery of the statue of the god Gou and the looted treasures embodies the essential reconquest of Africa's cultural sovereignty and historical memory. The full restitution of looted heritage is a fundamental right for the dignity of peoples, in order to pass on the legacy of African resistance to future generations.