Paris, November 8, 2021
This day, the President of Benin and the President of France have signed an agreement confirming that 26 royal artifacts, looted during Colonisation, are coming back to Benin, where they will arrive in a few days. Among these cultural treasures are thrones, scepters, royal statues, etc.
It is a great victory for the CRAN, the French black Coalition that started the battle, and a great victory also for SOAD, which continued the campaign. Dr Tin who was leading the CRAN, and is now leading SOAD made the following statement : “It is a historical victory for us, for Benin and for Africa. But it is only a beginning. We encourage all the African countries to work with us so that they can also get their treasures back. It is a matter of justice, culture, dignity and sovereignty.
Also, with this press release, SOAD is publishing two important documents. The first one is the chronology of our campaign for restitution, from the beginning to today, with the trips abroad to meet presidents and ministers (from Paris to Cotonou via Brussels, Brazzaville, Kinshasa, and the Vatican) and with the laws passed (in France, Belgium, the European Parliament);
The second document here includes the minutes of the Council of Ministers by which, in 2016, the Government of Benin took the decision to request the restitution of the treasures stolen by France. The document explains:
“Justifications.
1° This request for restitution is the initiative of the Representative Council of Black Associations of France (CRAN).
2° It is justified by the UNESCO Convention
3° Mr. Louis-Geoges To, President of the Representative Council of Black Associations of France (CRAN) and the former President of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Nicéphone Dieudonné Soglo, published on October 10, 2012 in “Le Monde” in France and in “La Nation” in Benin a tribune that pleads for this restitution.”
Soource: Dr. L. G. Tin
https://thestateofafricandiaspora.com/restitution-great-victory-for-soad/
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