This article offers a theoretical reflection on the unequally shared heritage of former colonies and metropolises. I apply Johannes Fabian s concept of denial of coevalness , a way to see the other in another time frame, to the restitution debate concerning colonial collections in the Belgian and international contexts. The article outlines the historical process of the formation of international legal frameworks in relation to the restitution debate in Belgium in a section that explores the political dimension of these issues.A subsequent museological section examines colonial collections in current world museums, focusing on the Africa Museum in Tervuren and the National Institute of Museums of Congo in Kinshasa. The article shows how African states remain absent in the Western restitution debate and argues for the recognition of coevalness between states in order to achieve reciprocal dialogues. Finally, the article argues that political recognition of the colonial past in Belgium is essential for the recognition of coevalness of Congo.