France returning 26 looted treasures back to Benin
ABC News
Macron formalized the return of the treasures looted during the French colonization, citing the need to "give African youth back access to their heritage."
PARIS -- Twenty-six looted royal treasures will return to their country of origin this week after nearly 130 years of French ownership, as debate continues over repatriating artifacts.
The pieces were looted following the war fought by France against the Kingdom of Dahomey, a former African kingdom situated in the south of present-day Benin, during the height of French colonialism in Africa.
On Nov. 17, 1892, French troops took over a palace in the city of Abomey, causing King Béhanzin to flee, leaving behind a set of royal objects the French took.
The works -- including carved wooden doors, royal thrones and statues -- had been on display in French museums since 1900. They will be returned to Benin in the course of the week.
