Abiy Says 35 Looted Artefacts Returned as Ethiopia Expands Recovery Drive

July 2, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia has recovered more than 35 looted and missing cultural artefacts over the past seven years through diplomatic and legal efforts, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, as the government expands its campaign to reclaim historical heritage held outside the country.

The recovered items include the Tsehay aircraft, described as one of Ethiopia’s early technological achievements, along with ancient church crosses and other historical religious artefacts, Abiy said in an interview with NBC Television, Tikvah Ethiopia reported.

The prime minister said the government views cultural heritage not only as a symbol of national identity but also as an asset that can contribute to tourism development and economic activity.

"We recover and preserve heritage; we do not destroy it," Abiy said, adding that Ethiopia is pursuing a policy of treating historical artefacts as national assets and potential sources of value rather than liabilities.

He said negotiations are underway to secure the return of additional Ethiopian artefacts currently held abroad. Among them is the historic throne of Emperor Haile Selassie I, which Abiy said is expected to return to Ethiopia in the near future.

Beyond repatriation efforts, the government has also been carrying out restoration and conservation work at several heritage sites, including Axum, Lalibela, the Fasil Ghebbi complex, the Abba Jifar Palace and the Jugol Wall.

Abiy said the restoration projects are aimed at preserving Ethiopia’s historical sites for future generations while strengthening the contribution of cultural heritage to the country’s tourism sector.

Source: FSX Business News