Cotonou: US singer Ciara has become one of the first public figures to be granted citizenship of Benin, under a new law offering nationality to the descendants of slaves. In an Instagram post, the Grammy award-winner expressed her honor and gratitude, stating, “Thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me.”
According to Nam News Network, the citizenship scheme is part of an initiative by the small West African country to build ties with the African diaspora and boost cultural tourism. Descendants can apply to become a citizen via a recently launched website, signaling Benin’s efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora globally.
Just last week, Benin appointed renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, a seasoned producer and author, as its ambassadors for African-Americans in the US. This move is part of a broader strategy to engage influential figures in promoting Benin’s cultural heritage and fostering connections with African-Americans.
Benin’s coastline is part of what was once known as the Slave Coast—a major departure point for enslaved Africans who were shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. The new citizenship law aims to address historical ties and create a pathway for descendants to reconnect with their ancestral roots.