Cotonou: American R and B singer Ciara has become a Beninese citizen thanks to a new law granting citizenship to descendants of African slaves. The Grammy-winning star appeared alongside President Patrice Talon during a ceremony held this weekend in Cotonou, the capital. Ciara is among the first descendants to receive the coveted green passport as part of a programme recognizing Benin's historic role in the transatlantic slave trade and aiming to boost tourism.
According to France24.com, the initiative is part of a broader effort by Benin to acknowledge its past and promote cultural heritage. Leonard Wantchekon, a professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University, was a guest on FRANCE 24 to discuss the significance of this new law. The program seeks to strengthen ties with the African diaspora and encourage economic development through increased tourism.
The move has been widely welcomed as it offers a formal recognition of the historical ties between Benin and the descendants of those who were forcibly taken from the region during the transatlantic slave trade. By extending citizenship, Benin hopes to foster a sense of belonging and connection among descendants while also drawing attention to the country's rich cultural heritage.