The French Senate approved a bill aimed at facilitating the return of artworks and artifacts to their countries of origin, reflecting a significant shift in France’s approach to its colonial past. France responded to demands from numerous African nations, which endured years of French colonial rule, to reclaim historical artworks and artifacts looted during the colonial era, according to France 24. The French Senate unanimously approved the bill to facilitate the return of artworks and artifacts taken from former colonies. Algeria is demanding the return of personal belongings of the religious and military leader Emir Abdelkader al-Jazairi. Mali is seeking the return of pieces from the Ségou treasure, and Benin, which has received 26 artifacts in recent years, and has submitted additional requests including for the return of a statue of the god Djo.
