A new survey has revealed strong support in Angola and Cape Verde for Portugal to issue a formal apology for its colonial past and to return cultural artefacts taken during that period. Conducted by Lisbon’s Catholic University in collaboration with public broadcaster RTP, the survey released on Tuesday, July 1st, found that 58% of Angolans and 63% of Cape Verdeans back the return of items such as ritual objects, sculptures, and masks. In contrast, while 54% of Portuguese respondents support the return of artefacts, a majority—58%—believe no apology is necessary.
The study, which polled over 3,000 people across the three nations, highlights enduring tensions surrounding Portugal’s colonial legacy. Despite its role in forcibly transporting nearly six million Africans into slavery, largely to Brazil, much of this history remains under-taught in Portuguese schools. While a majority across Angola, Cape Verde, and Portugal oppose removing colonial-era monuments, there is significant support—particularly in Portugal—for building a memorial to slavery victims. Meanwhile, Portugal’s far-right Chega party has pledged to block any repatriation of artefacts or reparation payments, even as global calls for colonial reckoning continue to mount.