Overview

• France handed over three skulls to Malagasy representatives at the Culture Ministry in Paris on Aug 26.
• A joint scientific committee identified all three as Sakalava remains and said one is presumed to be King Toera, who was killed by French troops in 1897.
• Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the remains entered French collections in circumstances that violated human dignity in a context of colonial violence.
• Madagascar’s envoy Volamiranty Donna Mara called the return an immensely significant gesture and described their absence as a 128-year wound.
• The transfer is the first under the 2023 restitution law, with the remains due to fly to Madagascar on Aug 31 and a Senate debate in September set to consider broader returns.