Benin Grants Citizenship to Slave Descendants

Benin has enacted a law granting citizenship to descendants of those enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade, marking a significant step towards addressing its historical involvement in this atrocity. The law, initiated by President Patrice Talon, allows individuals over 18 without prior African citizenship to apply if they can trace their lineage to enslaved ancestors from sub-Saharan Africa, accepting various forms of proof including DNA tests. This initiative follows similar actions by Ghana, which recently naturalized hundreds of African Americans as part of a cultural reconnection effort. For many, such as Nadege Anelka from Martinique, this law provides an opportunity to reclaim heritage and establish ties with their ancestral land. Benin's historical role as a major departure point for enslaved Africans, with an estimated 1.5 million individuals affected, adds profound significance to this citizenship initiative. The move is seen as part of a broader trend in Africa towards reparative justice and acknowledgment of past wrongs.