On Friday, France officially returned a colonial-era talking drum, known as the Djidji Ayokwe, to Ivory Coast. This drum, over three meters long and weighing approximately 430 kilograms, was looted during colonial times in 1916 by French troops. It holds cultural significance for the Ebrie tribe, who used it historically for communication purposes. The return of this artefact comes amidst France's broader initiative to repatriate thousands of cultural items taken from African nations during the colonial era, further legitimized by new legislation encouraging mass repatriations.

During the handover ceremony in Paris, Ivory Coast's Culture Minister Francoise Remarck expressed profound emotion over the drum's return, highlighting its importance as a symbol of cultural heritage that is finally coming back to its homeland. The ceremony included French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who acknowledged the collaboration in returning the drum. This development signifies a growing acknowledgment of the cultural and historical injustices experienced by African nations and the need for restitution of cultural items.

This repatriation aligns with the increasing demands from several former colonies for the return of their artefacts taken during the colonial era, including notable requests from countries like Algeria, Mali, and Benin. France's commitment to addressing these restitution demands not only highlights the relationship between former colonial powers and their colonies but also sets a precedent for addressing historical grievances through cultural diplomacy. The Djidji Ayokwe drum will be permanently housed in a new museum in Abidjan, reinforcing its significance in preserving Ivorian cultural identity as it transitions home after more than a century of absence.