French Ambassador for International Cooperation in the Field of Heritage, Jean-Luc Martinez, has assured Guinea that France will respect its commitments to return the West African country's cultural heritage and human remains. Martinez made the statement during a panel discussion in Conakry on September 29, 2026, titled "The Return of Ancestors: Memory, Dignity, Transmission." He emphasized France's willingness to accompany Guinea in the process of repatriating its cultural assets.
Guinea has been making significant investments in its cultural heritage policy, including the modernization of the National Museum and the development of a virtual museum. Martinez praised these efforts, noting that they demonstrate a rigorous scientific approach. He also highlighted recent legislative changes in France aimed at facilitating the return of cultural property to its countries of origin. These changes include a 2023 law allowing the restitution of human remains and a 2026 law enabling the return of cultural assets.
Martinez revealed that Guinea's formal requests for the repatriation of its cultural heritage, submitted in July 2026, are currently being examined by French authorities. He expressed confidence that Guinea could be one of the first countries to benefit from these new laws. The ambassador emphasized the symbolic and human significance of his mission, stating that it gives concrete form to administrative dossiers.
The panel discussion, which included Guinean Minister of Culture, institutional representatives, and descendants of national heroes, provided a platform for Martinez to reiterate France's commitment to returning cultural heritage. He recalled that French President Emmanuel Macron had, in 2017, publicly acknowledged the need for restitution. Martinez's statements were well-received by the Guinean authorities and families of national heroes.
Martinez outlined the progress made in France's legislative framework, enabling the return of cultural assets and human remains. He noted that these changes provide the necessary tools to facilitate the restitution process. The ambassador's visit to Conakry aimed to strengthen cooperation between France and Guinea in the field of cultural heritage.
The repatriation process is expected to be completed by April 2027, according to Martinez. While some technical and administrative steps remain, he expressed optimism about the outcome. The return of cultural heritage is seen as a crucial step in preserving Guinea's history and cultural identity.
The Guinean government has been actively seeking the return of its cultural heritage, including the remains of prominent figures such as Almamy Samory Touré and Almamy Bocar Biro. Martinez's visit and statements have been welcomed as a positive development in the process. The two countries are expected to continue their cooperation in the field of cultural heritage.
Key points
- France has committed to returning Guinea's cultural heritage and human remains, with the process expected to be completed by April 2027.
