The French President Vows to Return African Artifacts

In an article posted by the New York Times, African artifacts are to return in the next five years. French President Emmanuel Macron made this vow while he traveled to Africa. He said "I cannot accept that a large part of cultural heritage from several African countries is in France...African heritage can't just be in European prevent collections and museums." 

While his vow is important to the larger African cultural history, many cultural heritage learn have questioned Macron's ability to truly implement this in the larger society. 

The article went on to explain that in a speech he gave while traveling throughout African  he also wanted to help importove Africa's tense relationship with France. 

This relationship began during the colonial invasion and has yet to be completely resolved. The brutality during this time has left many African countries wary of French culture and the European's influence in the nation. 

“I am from a generation that doesn’t come to tell Africans what to do,” he said.

Macron has exhibited some promise. He is attempting to do what many poltical leaders believe that they can't or perhaps won't do. He is attempting to positively influence the relationship between European and African nations. 

Emmanuel Macron Doubled down on his commitment and in a very fashion he wrote, “African heritage cannot be a prisoner of European museums.”