Mozambique Calls for Return of African Cultural Heritage

 Mozambique has raised its voice for the restoration of Africa's cultural treasures that were removed from the continent over the centuries. At a press conference following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, highlighted the pressing need to bring back cultural property taken from Africa.

🌍 Restoring Dignity Alongside Artifacts
Minister Lucas emphasized that this issue goes beyond the physical return of artifacts. "This is not just about objects—it's about the pride and identity of the African continent and its people. It's not only monuments and artifacts that were taken from us. What was lost should be restored to Africa," she said.

She further stressed that repatriating Africa's cultural heritage is closely tied to the region's broader journey toward economic and political independence. "This is about more than financial compensation. We want our art back, but above all, we want to feel truly African," the minister underlined.

🏺 History of Cultural Loss
For almost five centuries, African artifacts were removed—often forcibly—and transported to Europe, where they ended up in private collections and museums. The colonial era saw particularly large-scale plundering, frequently accompanied by armed conflict that lasted decades. It is estimated that during more than 450 years of foreign domination, Africa lost up to 95% of its cultural heritage.

Although the problem persisted for centuries, it only began to receive international attention in the mid-20th century as African nations gained independence and began to assert their rights to their cultural patrimony.

🌐 Ongoing Dialogue and International Cooperation
Increasing demand for the restitution of African artifacts is now part of a wider global movement for justice and reconciliation. Today, African governments and international bodies are discussing steps to document, reclaim, and preserve Africa's cultural heritage for future generations.

The call from Mozambique underscores a growing determination across the continent to restore not just historic treasures, but also the dignity and agency of African peoples.

Reported by Evgenia Myl'nikova