Cotonou hosted the conference 'Restitution et coopération entre musées – Expériences du Bénin et de l’Allemagne' on 13 October 2026. Stefan Buchwald, Ambassador of Germany to Benin, addressed the assembly regarding German initiatives for cultural property. "En Allemagne, le « Centre allemand pour les biens culturels perdus (DZK) » soutient les recherches dans ce domaine," Buchwald stated. He noted that Germany founded the "Conseil de coordination pour le retour des biens culturels et des restes humains issus de contextes coloniaux" in March 2026. "Il est le point de contact pour les gouvernements des États d’origine," he explained. "Nous souhaitons ainsi rendre ces processus transparents, et agir de manière coordonnée vis-à-vis de nos partenaires internationaux," Buchwald added, citing the council's role in centralizing coordination among museums, archives, and universities.
Historical Responsibility and Restitution
Germany has transferred legal ownership of over 850 cultural items as part of its restitution efforts. These transfers represent a component of the broader engagement between Germany and Benin regarding the return of objects taken during the colonial period. Officials manage these procedures through established national frameworks to ensure the legal status of the artifacts is addressed. The process involves collaboration between German institutions and international partners to facilitate the return of items to their states of origin. Such actions follow a policy of addressing claims related to collections held in various museums across Germany. The restitution of these 850 cultural items remains a central element of the ongoing diplomatic and cultural dialogue between the two nations.
Institutional Frameworks for Cooperation
Germany established the Coordination Council for the Return of Cultural Property and Human Remains from Colonial Contexts in March 2026 to manage complex repatriation claims. Stefan Buchwald, Ambassador of Germany to Benin, noted that this body functions as a central contact point for states of origin. Regarding the broader scope of these efforts, Buchwald stated, "L’Allemagne assume sa responsabilité historique et œuvre à l’analyse de son passé colonial." He further explained that provenance studies are a mandatory precursor to any physical return, emphasizing, "La recherche de provenance est toujours la première étape requise."
Barbara Plankensteiner, director of the MARKK museum in Hamburg, arrived in Benin on 12 October 2026 for a visit scheduled to conclude on 15 October 2026. Her presence in the country aligns with ongoing professional exchanges regarding the management of collections.
Digital tools support these institutional objectives, specifically through the Digital Benin platform. This project aggregates data concerning cultural objects held within collections across more than 130 institutions located in 20 countries. Access to this information allows for a centralized overview of items that are potentially subject to future claims or research.
Diplomatic engagement regarding restitution has expanded over recent years. Buchwald stated, "Le travail de mémoire sur le passé colonial est désormais inscrit dans l’accord de coalition de nos gouvernements respectifs depuis 2018. La visibilité et la reconnaissance internationales de ce processus sont renforcées par la restitution de biens culturels, par exemple via le transfert juridique de propriété (plus de 850) et la restitution concrète au Nigéria de 22 bronzes du Bénin provenant de collections publiques à partir de 2022." These actions provide a framework for the current and future cooperation between the involved nations.
