France passes law to return colonial-era looted artworks to African nations

French lawmakers passed legislation on Monday streamlining the return of artworks and cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin, particularly in Africa. The bill reduces bureaucratic barriers that previously made restitution difficult and time-consuming. Historian Marie Cécile Zinsou, president of the Zinsou Foundation contemporary art museum, characterized the restitution of looted artifacts as "a moral obligation" and stated the change represents a fundamental shift in France's relationship with the African continent. The move addresses decades of international pressure for European nations to return cultural property seized during colonial rule.