**France Repatriates Historic Talking Drum Looted from Côte d'Ivoire Over 100 Years Ago** In a major cultural restitution, France has returned a sacred talking drum to its rightful owners in Côte d'Ivoire. The Djidji Ayôkwé, a centuries-old talking drum, was taken by French colonial authorities more than a century ago and has finally been repatriated. The 4-meter long, 430kg drum, which was used to send messages to distant villages, held significant cultural and political value for the Ebrié people. It was a symbol of resistance to colonial rule and was used to announce deaths, celebrations, and even warn villages of impending danger. In 1916, French colonial authorities seized the drum after Ebrié villagers resisted forced labor on a road project. After being stored in the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris, the drum was handed over to Ivorian officials earlier this month. It arrived in Côte d'Ivoire on Friday at Félix Houphouët-Boigny airport in Abidjan, where it was met with great fanfare. For the people of Côte d'Ivoire, the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is a moment of great joy and relief. Aboussou Guy Mobio, a traditional chief, described the drum's return as "the missing piece of the puzzle" and a symbol of connection with their ancestors. The drum's significance is not limited to its cultural value; it also represents the resilience and resistance of the Ebrié people in the face of colonial oppression. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of repatriating cultural artifacts looted by European colonial powers. This development is a significant step towards acknowledging the historical injustices perpetrated by colonialism and towards reconciliation between former colonies and their former colonial powers. For Nigerians, this development serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the need for accountability in the face of colonialism. As we continue to navigate our own complex history, it is heartening to see other nations taking steps towards acknowledging and making amends for their past wrongdoings.