Abidjan

France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum looted during colonial rule, to Ivory Coast, according to BBC News. The restitution follows a special law passed by the French parliament, BBC News states, marking a significant moment in cultural repatriation efforts.

France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum looted during colonial rule, to Ivory Coast in a ceremony at Port Bouët airport near Abidjan on March 13, 2026. The restitution fulfills a 2021 promise by French President Emmanuel Macron after four years of discussions and parliamentary approval.