Conference — “Restitution of African Heritage: History, Memory, Traces, Reappropriation”
Date & Time: 30 June 2026, 3:00 PM
Venue: Conference Hall, Deans’ Building, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, UCAD, Dakar
TrustAfrica, in partnership with the Department of History at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD), is pleased to host the conference “Restitution of African Heritage: History, Memory, Traces, Reappropriation.” The event will bring together scholars, cultural actors, researchers and policymakers to examine the historical, memorial and practical issues surrounding the restitution of African cultural property looted during the colonial period.
Background
The restitution of African cultural heritage is an ethical and moral imperative grounded in restorative justice. Cultural objects bear collective histories and memories; returning them supports identity reconstruction, cultural transmission and access for younger generations to their spiritual and creative heritage. Senegal, a leading actor on this issue, continues to promote Pan-African and international dialogue on restitution.
Speakers
- Prof. Felwine Sarr — keynote speaker, co-author of the 2018 report on the restitution of African cultural heritage.
- Prof. Hamady Bocoum — moderator.
The opening ceremony will be chaired by His/Her Excellency the Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism of Senegal, upon invitation from TrustAfrica and UCAD.
Objectives
- Review historical, legal and memorial dimensions of restitution.
- Discuss conservation, documentation and cultural reappropriation practices in Africa.
- Foster exchange between researchers, policymakers, cultural institutions and civil society to advance concrete restitution actions and policies.
Practical information
- Free admission, subject to seat availability.
- For information, press accreditation or interview requests, contact: Abdarahmane Wone — wone@trustafrica.org, Tel / WhatsApp: +221 77 844 65 30.
- Useful links (to be added): Sarr & Savoy report, UCAD page, further resources.
We invite you to join this important discussion on memory and the cultural future of the continent.
