Togo has unveiled plans to revise its legislation concerning the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, aiming to enhance the preservation of its cultural assets and combat illegal trafficking. A meeting commenced on Monday, March 24, in Lomé to review the existing law from 1990 and to draft a preliminary version that aligns better with contemporary challenges.
This consultation will run until March 28, 2025, featuring proposals designed to bolster the current legal framework. The discussions will aim to pinpoint deficiencies in the existing legislation and evaluate the institutional, human, and financial resources dedicated to heritage preservation.
The revised law will integrate new international standards and tackle issues such as the restitution of cultural property, the impact of digital technology, and the promotion of intangible heritage.
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Adama Ayikoué, Director of Cultural Heritage, emphasized that this reform is crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in heritage protection and promotion. “Updating this law is vital to confront current issues, especially regarding the restitution of cultural property, digital transition, and safeguarding intangible heritage.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy for preserving Togolese heritage, which notably includes the establishment of a virtual museum focused on stolen cultural artifacts.
