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Ciara is Among the First Descendants of Enslaved People Granted Citizenship By Benin

July 31, 2025

The small West African country of Benin has implemented a new law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people, with U.S. singer Ciara becoming one of the first public figures to receive citizenship under this initiative. Benin's efforts represent an acknowledgment of the country's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and aim to heal historical wounds while promoting tourism centered on slavery-related memorial sites. The citizenship program is open to anyone over 18 who can prove their ancestors were deported during the slave trade, with applications processed through the recently launched "My Afro Origins" digital platform.

Who is affected

  • Descendants of enslaved people who can trace their lineage to the slave trade
  • People above 18 who don't already hold other African citizenship
  • U.S. singer Ciara, who became one of the first public figures to receive citizenship
  • The Black diaspora who may reconnect with their ancestral heritage
  • Potential tourists interested in "memorial tourism" related to slavery sites

What action is being taken

  • Benin is granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people under a law passed in September
  • The government has launched "My Afro Origins," a digital platform processing citizenship applications
  • Authorities are accepting DNA tests, authenticated testimonies, and family records as proof of ancestry
  • Benin is promoting "memorial tourism" around slavery-related sites of remembrance
  • Justice Minister Yvon Détchénou is framing the initiative as healing "a historical wound"

Why it matters

  • Benin played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, with European merchants deporting an estimated 1.5 million enslaved people from the Bight of Benin
  • The country is openly acknowledging its historical complicity in the slave trade, unlike many other African nations
  • The initiative represents an act of justice, belonging, and hope according to Justice Minister Yvon Détchénou
  • The program provides Afro-descendants an opportunity to learn about and honor their ancestors' struggles and resilience
  • Memorial sites like the Slave Route and the Door of No Return offer important historical connections for people tracing their heritage

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Ciara is Among the First Descendants of Enslaved People Granted Citizenship By Benin