The French Development Agency (AFD) will provide 35 million euros, or almost 23 billion CFA francs, for the rehabilitation of the famous royal palaces in Abomey and for the construction of a new museum according to international standards planned to accommodate the 26 works that France is preparing to return to Benin by the end of 2021.
as reported from Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
Of the € 35 million fresh money injected by the French Development Agency, there are 10 million donations and a loan of 25 million at bargain prices. This money will finance two things: about a third will be spent on training and commissioning. The rest will be used for the rehabilitation of the palaces of the kings Ghezo, Glele Gbehanzin, Agoli-Agbo. Everything from Abomey they ruled in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These four palaces are quite deteriorating, admits Alain Godonou, director of the “Museums” program at the Beninese National Agency for the Promotion of Heritage and Tourism Development (ANPT).
A new museum to house the 26 works returned by France
In addition to this restoration, the museum of the Amazon epic and the kings of Dahomey will rise from the ground, still in Abomey. A new museum that meets international standards. explore the 26 looted in King Gbèhanzin’s Royal Palace in 1892 lands after a temporary exhibition in the Portuguese fort Ouidah.
►To listen too: Restoration of works: “I am struck by Benin’s ambition and seriousness in this affair”
Mixed teams are working on the project. In addition to Beninese experts, there is a French expert in housing, French scenography and museography companies. The two architects responsible for the work, a Beninese and a French-Cameroonian, promise delivery by 2023. There may be a slight expansion as palaces to be rehabilitated are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means some restrictions, say specialists. .
.
