Togo approves draft bill to modernize cultural heritage protection

Culture

Thursday, 26 February 2026 15:26

Togo approves draft bill to modernize cultural heritage protection

(Togo First) - Togo's cabinet approved a draft bill on Wednesday aimed at protecting and promoting the country's cultural heritage. The legislation would update a 1990 law to strengthen heritage protection and adapt it to social changes and international standards, according to a government statement.

The bill, which will be submitted to parliament, introduces several key changes, including formal recognition of intangible and underwater heritage.

Intangible cultural heritage includes practices, know-how, expressions, knowledge and rituals passed down through generations. It covers non-material forms such as songs, dances and folk tales, as opposed to tangible heritage such as monuments.

Underwater cultural heritage refers to traces of human existence with historical, cultural or archaeological significance that have been submerged, partially or fully, in seas, lakes or rivers for at least 100 years.

The measures are expected to expand and strengthen heritage protection in Togo.

The draft law also seeks to align national legislation more closely with UNESCO conventions. It would strengthen enforcement under the penal code to better punish violations of intellectual property rights, according to the government.

The government also announced initiatives to promote Togolese cultural assets held abroad. A recent assessment identified more than 8,000 cultural objects, including works of art, religious artifacts, archives and human and animal remains, held in several foreign museums.

Togo is expected to begin efforts to secure their restitution. The cabinet authorized the creation of a national committee to oversee and manage the restitution process. The move comes amid growing debate over the return of African cultural heritage held overseas, particularly items looted or transferred during the colonial era.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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