Ciara Receives Benin Citizenship Under a New Law for African Enslaved Descendants

Imagine discovering a path back to your ancestral homeland, a place where history whispers through ancient routes and memorials.

For many descendants of enslaved Africans, this is becoming a reality in Benin, a small West African nation taking bold steps to reconnect with its diaspora.

A new law is opening doors for people worldwide to claim citizenship, acknowledging a painful past while building bridges to the future.

Here’s how Benin is making history with this initiative.

Benin Citizenship for Slave Descendants

In September 2024, Benin passed Law No. 2024-31, allowing descendants of those forcibly taken during the transatlantic slave trade to apply for citizenship. This law targets individuals over 18 who can prove their sub-Saharan African ancestry through DNA tests, family records, or authenticated testimonies.

Unlike other African nations with similar programs, Benin’s initiative stands out because of its historical role as a major departure point for enslaved Africans. The coastal town of Ouidah, once a bustling slave-trading port, is central to this story, with sites like the Door of No Return symbolizing the pain of departure. By offering citizenship, Benin aims to heal historical wounds and invite descendants to reconnect with their heritage.

A Growing Movement in Africa

Benin isn’t alone in this effort. Ghana, for example, welcomed 524 African Americans as citizens in 2019 during its “Year of Return,” marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in North America. Countries like Guinea-Bissau and Liberia have also launched programs to reconnect with the African diaspora.

However, Benin’s law carries unique weight because its shores, part of the Bight of Benin, saw an estimated 1.5 million people forcibly deported. The government, led by President Patrice Talon, is not only offering citizenship but also promoting “memorial tourism” to sites like the Slave Route and the Tree of Forgetfulness in Ouidah. These efforts encourage descendants to explore their roots and honor their ancestors’ resilience.

Personal Stories of Reconnection

The law has already touched lives. U.S. singer Ciara became one of the first to gain Beninese citizenship in a ceremony in Cotonou on July 26, 2025. After walking the Slave Route to the Door of No Return, she described the experience as a “profound return” to her heritage. Others, like Nadege Anelka from Martinique, are applying to deepen their connection to Africa.

Anelka, who settled in Benin to start a travel agency, sees citizenship as a way to honor her ancestors. Similarly, Nate Debos, a New Orleans musician, plans to apply, drawn by his ties to Vodun, a religion rooted in Benin’s history. These stories show how the law is more than a legal process—it’s a journey of identity and belonging.

How It Works and Why It Matters

To apply, individuals must submit proof of ancestry via the My Afro Origins digital platform, launched in July 2025, along with a $100 fee. Successful applicants receive a provisional certificate valid for three years and must visit Benin at least once during that time to finalize their citizenship.

While new citizens can’t vote or work in public administration, they gain the right to a passport and the freedom to live in Benin. This initiative not only addresses historical injustices but also boosts tourism and cultural exchange. By acknowledging its role in the slave trade, Benin sets an example for other nations, fostering hope and unity for the global African diaspora.

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