Benin has officially established a national scientific committee to support the restitution of cultural artifacts held abroad, marking a new step in the country's efforts to recover its cultural heritage.

The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 14, by Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Yassine Latoundji in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital, and will provide scientific expertise to guide the country's cultural restitution policy, according to the ministry.

Latoundji said the restitution process should be based on scientific research, legal principles, and international cooperation rather than emotion, stressing that the committee would help strengthen Benin's case for the return of its cultural property.

The committee will draft a roadmap, conduct scientific studies, and provide expert recommendations to support the country's future restitution efforts, the ministry added.

Following France's return of 26 royal treasures from the former Kingdom of Dahomey in 2021 and the repatriation of the Katakle ceremonial seat from Finland in 2025, Benin is now seeking the restitution of 35 additional cultural objects and archival materials from French public collections.