France Returns Historical Sword to Senegal

A delegation from France, led by Prime Minister Edourad Phillippe, has returned a sword formerly owned by a revered Islamic scholar, to the Senegalese government in a ceremony in the capital, Dakar.

The move is part of a commitment made by France to return items of historical and cultural significance back to its former colony.

The sword is made of curved iron, brass and wood, and was handed over in his leather sheath to Senegal’s president, Macky Sall.

It originally belonged to the revered 19th century West African scholar and leader, Umar Saidou Tall, who led an anti-colonial struggle against the European powers.

Several of his descendants were present at the handing over ceremony.

French Prime Minister Phillippe said the ceremony was part of “the first step” in the project aimed at returning more Senegalese artefacts currently held in French museums.