On Monday, April 28, 2025, the French Senate unanimously approved a bill authorizing the restitution of the Djidji Ayokwê Talking Drum to Ivory Coast. The decision was warmly welcomed by Françoise Remarck, Ivorian Minister of Culture and Francophonie.
The next step will be approval by the French National Assembly, which will pave the way for the finalization of this historic process. In the meantime, a bilateral agreement signed on November 18 in Paris allows for the concrete preparation of the sacred drum’s return.
A major cultural symbol seized from the Atchan community in 1916, the Djidji Ayokwê is described by Minister Remarck as “a living legacy of Ivorian culture and national collective memory.” She emphasized that “this priceless heritage will soon return to its homeland.”
The minister praised the crucial role played by President Alassane Ouattara, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, and the entire government in bringing the case to fruition. She also thanked French senators, particularly members of the Senate’s Culture Committee, chaired by Laurent Lafon.
According to Remarck, this success reflects exemplary cooperation between several stakeholders: the Museum of Civilizations of Ivory Coast (currently under renovation), the Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac Museum, the culture ministries of both countries, researchers, local communities, and institutions such as France Diplomatie and Expertise France. Ongoing efforts also include training Ivorian conservators, with a focus on digitization and 3D technologies.
The minister concluded by expressing gratitude to her French counterpart, Rachida Dati, for her openness and spirit of dialogue, reaffirming Ivory Coast’s readiness to welcome this historical treasure with dignity.