Illicitly exported cultural heritage: Culture ministry, Colombian delegation strategise on repatriation efforts.

The mission, which focuses on strategies for the restitution of Cameroonian cultural assets illicitly trafficked overseas, opened on July 6 and will run until July 10, 2026.

A two-member Colombian delegation, comprising Fabián Romero Aponte of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Catalina Bateman of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Knowledge, was received in audience on July 7, 2026, by Cameroon’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt. 

Discussions during the audience centred on the delegation’s five-point mission, particularly on ways to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural objects and strengthen repatriation mechanisms.

Speaking at the event, head of delegation, Fabián Romero Aponte, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Cameroonian government, noting that despite the geographical distance, both nations had demonstrated a strong commitment to making the exchange possible. 

“We are here to learn and share our expertise in preventing illicit exportation and in implementing measures for the repatriation of unlawfully exported cultural heritage. This reflects our capacity for meaningful cultural cooperation,” Aponte stated

He added that “we are building stronger bonds between our nations and seizing the opportunity to identify and celebrate remarkable cultural artefacts”.

In his keynote address, Minister Bidoung Mkpatt welcomed the guests and commended the fruitful and fraternal cooperation between Colombia and Cameroon. 

He emphasised that restitution is no longer a peripheral concern of cultural policy, but has become a central issue of national sovereignty.

“Our objective is to move from fragmented initiatives to a coordinated state strategy that integrates law, science, diplomacy, and the voices of communities. This will transform restitution into a structured and legitimate claim, not merely a series of requests,” he explained.

The minister further urged participants to engage in open, rigorous, and constructive dialogue, rooted in shared experience and mutual learning.

“Let us bring to life the spirit of South-South cooperation, working together to craft solutions that are truly adapted to our realities,” he added.

The week-long programme will feature presentations from members of Cameroon’s interministerial committee for the repatriation of illicitly exported cultural heritage, representatives of INTERPOL and officials from the Ministry of External Relations and the Ministry of Arts and Culture.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3841 of Wednesday July 08, 2026