Restitution of works of art in Benin by France : Marie Cécile Zinsou protests against the postponement

Benin still has to wait a few months before coming into possession of these 26 works of art confiscated by France during the colonial period. Because, the French authorities decided last week to postpone the initial date of their repatriation. A decision that is not to the taste of the Franco art historian- Beninese Marie Cécile Zinsou.

"I can not believe it" laments the president of the Zinsou Foundation on the airs of Radio France Internationale the day after the announcement of this decision. The fundamental reason behind this desire to extend the repatriation period for these works of art is the fact that the authorities have expressed the wish to exhibit the royal treasures during two major artistic events, namely Benin Week at Quai Branly. in Paris during the month of October and an exhibition at the Palais d'Iéna in Paris in the 16^th  arrondissement towards the end of January 2022. A decision that the art historian considers inconsistent. " Today, i can't believe this is a real decision. It is not consistent to have an exhibition of the works at Quai Branly in October and do another exhibition in a totally unsuitable place "she criticizes before adding that it is" insane ". Expected in Benin at the end of the current year, the 26 works of art will finally be repatriated in February 2022 according to the new timetable announced by the French authorities.

Edmond HOUESSIKINDE