Until recently, scholars have shied away from intellectually debating restitution, return, reparation and repatriation issues of such controversial objects on the African continent. French President Macron’s speech on his promise to return such objects in French museums to their respective countries in Africa and the report of the commission he set up has provided an impetus. However, the return, repatriation and restitution of looted art from Africa sent or sold to European museums by agents of European colonizing missions are the interrogative centre stage of this special issue meant to garner frameworks for resolution.