Ciara Becomes a Citizen of Benin: A Journey of Heritage and Healing

US singer Ciara has become one of the first public figures to gain citizenship in Benin under a new law that grants citizenship to descendants of enslaved people. This initiative aims to attract the Black diaspora, acknowledge Benin's role in the slave trade, and boost tourism to slavery-related sites.

US singer Ciara has made headlines as one of the first prominent figures to be awarded citizenship under Benin's new law. This legislation grants citizenship to descendants of enslaved people, reflecting the West African nation's attempts to engage the Black diaspora and acknowledge its painful past role in the slave trade.

Ciara's citizenship, conferred during a ceremony in Cotonou, is part of Benin's broader strategy to foster a deeper connection with the African diaspora. The law permits individuals over 18, without other African citizenship, to apply if they can demonstrate ancestral lineage linked to the slave trade. Approved applicants may use DNA tests and documented family histories as proof.

Benin's move is particularly significant given its historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Memorial tourism has become a method to attract visitors keen to honor and understand their heritage. Sites like Ouidah's Door of No Return serve as poignant reminders of a painful past, offering a space for reflection and understanding.

(With inputs from agencies.)