The poll, conducted across Angola, Cape Verde, and Portugal, shows a clear desire for justice through restitution.
“These aren’t just objects. They are echoes of ancestors, of stories lost in the voyage of empire.”
From the 15th century until the mid-20th, Portugal’s empire stretched across Africa, Asia, and South America. Angola and Cape Verde, colonized for hundreds of years, were not only exploited for resources but also stripped of cultural heritage. Thousands of artefacts were seized—some taken violently, others through coercive “agreements.”
The same poll shows that nearly 60% of Angolans and Cape Verdeans believe Portugal should apologize for its colonial crimes. In contrast, less than half of Portuguese respondents agree, revealing a deep rift in historical perspective.
Interestingly, while many want artefacts returned, the majority across all three nations oppose tearing down colonial-era statues. For many, the statues are seen not as glorification, but reminders—signposts pointing to uncomfortable truths.
At the same time, there is growing support—58% in Portugal—for erecting a national memorial in Lisbon honoring victims of the transatlantic slave trade.
Portugal’s political climate complicates matters. The far-right Chega party, now the country’s main opposition, opposes reparations and repatriation. This has stalled serious policy discussions, despite increasing international precedent for cultural restitution.
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