In a landmark ceremony held in Cotonou on July 26, 2025, the government of Benin formally granted Beninese nationality to three prominent Afro-descendants, among them internationally renowned American R&B singer Ciara Princess Harris.
This historic event marked the first official implementation of Law No. 2024-31, enacted last September, which legally recognises Afro-descendants as citizens of Benin.
The ceremony, held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ ceremonial hall, was attended by high-ranking officials including Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Culture Minister Jean Michel Abimbola, and Justice Minister Yvon Détchénou.
Minister Détchénou underscored the deep historical and political significance of the occasion: “By legally recognizing these children of Africa, Benin is repairing a historical divide. This is an act of justice, but also of belonging and hope.”
A visibly moved Ciara expressed her gratitude, highlighting “the generosity of the Beninese people and the strength of a shared past transcended by the future.”
The new legislation, accompanied by an implementing decree from November 2024, grants those who can demonstrate historical filiation with Benin a right of return and eventual full citizenship, conditional on residing in Benin within three years of receiving their initial certificate.
To facilitate this, the government launched the multilingual digital platform My Afro Origins on July 4, 2025, centralising applications from Afro-descendants worldwide, especially from the Americas and Caribbean.
The nationality certificates awarded to Joseph Gabendy, Smeralda David Romuald, and Ciara symbolize their full entry into Benin’s citizenry.
As part of the ceremony, the recipients took an oath pledging allegiance to the Republic and promising to uphold Benin’s Constitution, laws, and dignity.
“This is not a symbolic citizenship; it is a full and assumed citizenship, which implies rights but also responsibilities,” explained Minister Détchénou.
Benin’s initiative goes beyond national borders, positioning the country as a leader in reconnecting Africa with its diaspora through a powerful blend of memory, culture, and citizenship.
The policy complements other key measures such as the restitution of looted cultural artifacts and the creation of memorial tourist routes.
With hundreds of applications already under review on My Afro Origins, the government anticipates further ceremonies in the coming months, aiming to build an inclusive and just narrative for Africa and its diaspora.
Ciara captured the spirit of the day, concluding, “Today, I am not just an artist. I am Beninese. And that means more than anything I could say with words.”
About The Author
