Paper short abstract:

Cultural relations between Switzerland and Africa are close. In this 21st century, they give an important place to museum cooperation. It is in this dynamic that the debate on the repatriation of art objects of African origin present in Swiss museums intervenes.

Paper long abstract:

Africa and Switzerland share a distant history. The first contacts between these two entities date back to the slave trade, developed during colonization and expanded after decolonization. The passage of the Swiss to the African continent through missionaries, mercenaries and businessmen favored the acquisition by the latter of a set of heritage goods. In truth, if certain objects of art are freely offered, others have been sold or looted. In the era of museum cooperation between Switzerland and several African countries, the question of the repatriation of art objects to African museums arises. Indeed, in a context where the decolonization of museums is an acute issue in Switzerland, several African states have stepped up to claim their goods exhibited in Swiss museums. This reflection questions the necessity of such an approach. Is the repatriation of these art objects the best option? Could it contribute optimally to the development of the African countries concerned? Using both a diachronic and synchronic approach based on primary and secondary sources, this communication aims to provide answers to this string of questions.