France Returns Colonial-Era Skulls to Madagascar After 128 Years

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10 hrs ago

Above: A man carries one of the three Sakalava skulls at the Culture Ministry in Paris, on Aug. 26, 2025. Image copyright: Stephane De Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images

story last updated 10 hrs ago

The Spin

Left narrative

This return represents genuine progress in addressing colonial wrongs and healing historical wounds. France's new law demonstrates real commitment to reparative justice, moving beyond obstacles that hindered restitution efforts. France still retains thousands of human remains and cultural artifacts in its museums, suggesting that this single return barely addresses the broader scope of colonial-era appropriations.

France 24 TRT Afrika

Right narrative

Discourse surrounding colonialism oversimplifies and misrepresents the reality — it was never the preserve of white Europeans. Colonialism and imperialism were widespread and often carried out by non-Western actors. This gesture by France may be just, but it cannot be allowed to feed into a disingenuous academic orthodoxy parroting a simplistic history of evil Europeans attempting to conquer the rest of the world.

The Telegraph

Narrative C

While this is an honorable move from France, former colonies being hyper-focused on their painful histories has held them back from real progress — the cult of repentance and self-flagellation does nothing but assuage the guilt of liberal Europeans. Reconciliation with Madagascar should involve helping guide them to real governance, not issuing apologies and making largely symbolic gestures.

Le Monde.fr FT

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited coverage from right-wing sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our reporting as additional information becomes available.