France: Benin sets up committee to recover 35 new cultural artifacts – La Nouvelle Tribune

Benin's Minister of Culture, Yassine Latoundji, officially installed on July 14, 2026 in Cotonou the National Scientific Committee for the restitution of cultural goods, tasked with obtaining from France the return of 35 new cultural artifacts and archives held in French public collections. This follows the 2021 restitution of 26 pieces from the Treasure of Béhanzin and the royal stool Kataklè in May 2025. The committee, chaired by Alain Godonou, will develop a roadmap and prepare a national dossier based on scientific expertise, legal framework, and diplomatic dialogue. Professor Kakpo Mahougnon proposed renaming the god Ogou to Vodun Gou to reflect Voodoo terminology.