France finalizing preparations to restitute illegally exported Ethiopian cultural artefacts

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2022 (FBC) – The Embassy extends its deep appreciation to the French Foreign Ministry and French Customs Authority cultural for finalizing preparations to restitute cultural goods illegally exported from Ethiopia and seized at Paris Roissy Airport in March 2019.

The goods consist among others of a cross dating back to 15th century, and neck rests from end of 19th and beginning 20th century.

The Embassy held fruitful discussions with the French Foreign Ministry Cultural Affairs Section and French Customs Authorities on the restitution of the goods. Accordingly, the restitution is planned to take place in June 2022.

The restitution is a demonstration of the strong cultural cooperation between the two countries as they celebrate the 125 years of diplomatic relations, Ambassador of Ethiopia to France, Spain, Portugal, Holy See and Monaco, Henok Tefera Shawl said.

It also highlights the French Government’s strong commitment to restitute illegally exported African cultural objects, following the Declaration of President Emmanuel Macron in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in November 2017 pledging the restitution of African cultural goods to African countries.

It is to be recalled that President Emanuel Macron said in 2017 at University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2017 that African heritage cannot solely exist in private collections and European museums.

Within five years I want the conditions to exist for temporary or permanent returns of African heritage to Africa, Emanuel Macron stated.