France has formally returned the Djidji Ayokwe, also known as the "talking drum," to Côte d'Ivoire, an artefact that was looted by colonial troops in 1916. This significant repatriation marks a pivotal moment in France's ongoing efforts to address its colonial past and return cultural heritage to its rightful owners in Africa.

The Djidji Ayokwe drum, a formidable instrument measuring over three metres in length and weighing 430 kilos, held profound cultural importance for the Ebrie tribe in Côte d'Ivoire, who historically used it to transmit messages across communities. Its return signifies not just the recovery of an object, but the restitution of a potent symbol of Ivorian heritage and identity.

This handover is part of a broader initiative by France to repatriate hundreds of objects that were plundered from its colonial empire, which spanned from the 16th century through the first half of the 20th century. The move follows the unanimous adoption of new legislation by French MPs last July, subsequently approved by the Senate, specifically designed to authorize mass repatriations of cultural artefacts.

During a ceremony in Paris, Ivorian Culture Minister Françoise Remarck expressed deep emotion, stating that "All of Côte d'Ivoire is ready to welcome it," and highlighting the "return of this symbol" to its homeland. The Djidji Ayokwe is slated for permanent exhibition in a new museum currently under construction in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire's commercial capital.

The restitution of looted artworks to Africa is a key component of the "new relationship" that French President Emmanuel Macron has aimed to forge with the continent. France has been increasingly faced with demands for restitution from various former colonies, including Algeria, Mali, and Benin, underscoring the widespread nature of this historical issue. Beyond colonial-era artefacts, France also enacted framework laws in 2023 to facilitate the return of goods looted from Jewish families during World War II and the repatriation of human remains from public collections, demonstrating a broader commitment to rectifying historical injustices.