Senegal: Heirs of El Hadj Omar Tall Seek Return of Ségou Treasure

In Senegal, the descendants of El Hadj Omar Tall, a 19th-century Sufi spiritual leader and anti-colonial fighter, are intensifying their campaign for the repatriation of the 'Ségou treasure' looted during French colonization. The treasure includes manuscripts, jewelry, and valuables taken from the city of Ségou (now in Mali) after the fall of the Toucouleur Empire. A French law adopted in April 2026 on the restitution of stolen cultural goods could enable the heirs to reclaim these items. The law is seen as a significant step in addressing colonial-era loot, and the Tall family has long sought the return of these artifacts, which hold immense cultural and religious significance. The campaign highlights broader debates about the restitution of African heritage held in European museums. The article, published by Le Monde on August 9, 2026, details the family's ongoing struggle and the potential impact of the new legislation.