Benin has introduced a groundbreaking law granting citizenship to individuals who can trace their ancestry to victims of the transatlantic slave trade. The initiative, championed by President Patrice Talon, reflects the West African nation’s ongoing effort to confront its historical role in the slave trade.
The law, enacted in September, is open to applicants over 18 who do not already hold African citizenship and can provide evidence, such as DNA tests or authenticated family records, proving their ancestors were enslaved and deported from sub-Saharan Africa. Successful applicants receive a provisional nationality certificate valid for three years, during which they must visit Benin at least once to qualify for permanent citizenship.
This policy holds particular significance given Benin’s central role in the transatlantic slave trade. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the coastal town of Ouidah served as a major hub, with nearly a million people forcibly shipped to the Americas. This historical legacy has prompted national efforts to acknowledge complicity, including public apologies and memorial tourism initiatives centered around Ouidah’s “Door of No Return” and other historic sites.
For descendants like Nadege Anelka, a travel agent from Martinique, and Nate Debos, an American musician, the law represents an opportunity to reconnect with their roots. Both have sought citizenship in Benin, motivated by personal ties to the Vodun religion and a desire to honor their ancestors.
The law aligns with broader trends in West Africa, where countries like Ghana have also extended citizenship to members of the African diaspora. However, Benin’s initiative stands out for its connection to its prominent role in the slave trade, symbolizing both accountability and a call for deeper ties between Africa and its diaspora.
Tourism and cultural exchange programs tied to Benin’s rich Vodun heritage have also gained traction, highlighting the enduring cultural connections between Africa and the Americas. While applicants like Anelka see citizenship as a symbolic reclamation of heritage, Benin’s efforts underscore a significant step in addressing historical injustices while fostering unity across the African diaspora.