Museum of Black Civilisations in Dakar to foster the 'dialogue of cultures'

The Black Civilisations Museum in Dakar is among several new - or overhauled - facilities springing up around Africa that bolster growing demands for the restitution of artworks spirited out of the continent since colonial times. Photo: AFP

A museum showcasing black heritage from the dawn of time to the modern era has opened in the Senegalese capital Dakar.

The opening came as African countries press harder for the restitution of artwork from their former colonial masters -- and as France made its first steps in that direction, pledging to return artworks to Benin.