Restitution

Colonial Dialogue and reconciliation (RESTITUTION)

Colonial Dialogue and Reconciliation is a  programme of SHF. SHF believes in the fundamental principles of Human and cultural rights and therefore creates an enabling environment for Europe and Africa to confront their colonial past, thus our special interest in restitution.

The return of Africa’s heritage looted in colonial context and now held hostage in other parts of the world especially Europe is a key preoccupation for SHF. The injustices surrounding the acquisition of these objects and the continuous perpetration of colonial violence and unequal power relations are a threat to global peace and security. Victim (Survivor) communities have the right to their cultural heritage and with the full understanding that cultural rights are human rights, SHF is working to support communities to reclaim their heritage through advocacies, dialogues and best practices. We strongly believe that the return of these objects to Africa is more than just a spiritual and ancestral reconnection but also the return of their dignity and lost glories. A chance to lay to rest the mortal remains of their ancestors who fought the repressive colonial regime now trapped in museum bunkers and cellars, a chance to commune and connect with their ancestors through objects that represent their essence of being and a chance to get justice for the wrongs committed.

SHF has recorded  ground breaking and historic successes in the quest for restitution. On the 27th of June 2022, one of Germany’s most powerful foundations and one of the world’s largest cultural institutions, the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz agreed to return the queen mother statue -Ngonnso back to Cameroon after an intensive campaign led by the 31 years old Njobati Sylvie, with the support of Sysy House of Fame. This has now gone into history as the first-ever activist-led and grassroot movement led restitution success. With restitution of the physical object in process, SHF is building on this to share experiences, best practices and lessons learnt with other communities. SHF is also working with relevant stakeholders to establish frameworks, principles and legislations to facilitate the restitution process.

Feature story

The statue of the mother of the Nso people, stolen and kept away for over a century, is set to return to her people. 

In 2018, Sysy House of Fame started a programme colonial dialogue and reconciliation with focus on the restitution of Ngonnso through the project #BringBackNgonnso…

Project updates
Film’s ability to accommodate and synchronise different perspectives is an attraction point for SHF’s decision to implore film as one of the tools to advocate for the return of Ngonnso under the Colonial Dialogue and Reconciliation programme.
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By Oct 2021, We had achieved major milestones. From making official requests to engaging other stakeholders, read our mid term report.
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For about 30 years now, different stakeholders had been working to ensure the return of Ngonnso from Germany. After 4years of intensive campaign by REGARTLESS formerly known as Sysy House of Fame, the statue of the mother of Nso people is set to return home.
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Nso people are requesting the return of other objects collected in colonial context by Germany now found in the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. Bulami Edward, a research consultant pens down a powerful paper to make a case for the Return of Ngonnso.
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REGARTLESS formerly known as Sysy House of Fame believes in the power of storytelling in positioning Africa back to greatness. We are calling on spoken word artists in Cameroon to share with us powerful works in the context : #AfricaHasRisen.
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As we get closer to the visit of the Fon starting this Saturday 12,Nov at the Humboldt Forum, SHF has put together important information to help media professionals produce great multimedia pieces.
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In a series of brainstorming modules, participants deliberate upon existing legal instruments that guide restitution, for communities to use for negotiation procedures for the return of their cultural property.
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Colonial Dialogue and Reconciliation also advocate for deep reflections on the colonial past while paving the way for reconciliation and a better intercultural understanding.
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The disappearance of Ngonnso after the burning of the Nso palace in 1902 by the Germans is believed to have put every Nso person on alert as endless misfortunes have become the order of the day. Follow up on the campaign for her return so far.
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The Fon of Nso shall be making a symbolic visit to Germany from the 12th to the 18th of November 2022. Ngonnso is set to return home but there are more than 100 objects from Nso in Germany collected in colonial context that need to be home.
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In Nov 2022, the Fon of Nso and the Royal team made a historic journey to Germany to see the Ngonnso for the first time and facilitate restitution. Please find here report of this visit
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The Statue of the Founder of Nso - Ngonnso is counting the days until her return home. HRH, the Fon of Nso paid a symbolic visit to Ngonnso at the Humboldt Forum in Berlin - Germany on the 12th November 2022. A visit aimed at recreating the connection between Ngonnso and her people.
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Founder of REGARTLESS formerly known as Sysy House of Fame - Sylvie Njobati welcomes legal team and encourages deliberations on toolkits to support communities demanding restitution of their cultural property looted in the colonial era.
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After a successful theatre performance on decolonizing mindsets and spaces, we are glad to share with you the report of the project.
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SHF believes that a critical aspect of decolonization is changing mindsets: thus the focus on sensitization. What better way to do this than use theatre performance?
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You wanna know how our theatre performance was received by the audience? Here are some reviews from our diversed audience.
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Between May 22 and 27, a multipartner workshop was organised on restitution titled "The Return of Things" in Yaounde. Find here internation debates that happened then
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Blaise Essama’s approach to decolonisation is by purging the community of colonial recognition through the destruction of colonial monuments. He believes that by promoting pro Africanism, he can empower learners to embrace their identity and culture.
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This article explores the present issues faced by Cameroon due to British colonization and neglect during the colonial period. It also highlights how Britain was involved in the unethical looting of African Cultural Heritage and using legal acts to deny restitution claims.
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This brief inspiring piece sheds light on the successful results of the #BringBackNgonnso Campaign which started since 2020 on social media. This one-pager reveals impact progress of the campaign from May 2021- August 2023.
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