Benin’s Afro-descendant citizenship law
U.S. singer Ciara is one of the first public figures to become a citizen of Benin under a recent law by the small West African country granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people.In September, Benin passed a law granting citizenship to those who can trace their lineage to the slave trade.
It is open to anyone above 18 who doesn’t already hold other African citizenship and can provide proof that an ancestor was deported via the slave trade from anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Beninese authorities accept DNA tests, authenticated testimonies and family records.
Last week, the government launched My Afro Origins, the digital platform that processes applications.
Ciara is among the first descendants of enslaved people granted citizenship by Benin
U.S. singer Ciara is one of the first public figures to become a citizen of Benin under a recent law by the small West African country granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people.
