Benin grants citizenship to 28 afro-descendants in historic ceremony

In a solemn ceremony held at the Cotonou Judicial Complex, the Ministry of Justice and Legislation officially presented citizenship certificates to 28 afro-descendants reclaiming their ancestral ties to Benin. This landmark event underscores the country’s commitment to historical recognition and symbolic reparations for the descendants of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade.

Ceremony marks a pivotal moment in Benin’s memorial policy

The ceremony, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Legislation, Yvon Detchenou, brought together key figures including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Corinne Amori Brunet, and the Minister of Justice’s technical advisor, Rose-Marie Sossa. Together, they highlighted the significance of this gesture in fostering deeper connections with the global afro-descendant community.

Ms. Sossa emphasized the symbolic timing of the event, noting that July 30 coincides with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. She described the citizenship certificates as more than legal documents—they represent memory, resilience, and a shared future. « Acquiring Beninese citizenship is not just a formality; it is a commitment to our nation’s history, values, and institutions, » she stated.

New citizens embrace Beninese identity

The recipients, hailing from the United States, Haiti, and other nations, expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception they received. Among them, God Win Louis, an afro-descendant from Haiti, shared his emotional connection to Benin. « My ancestors came from Sakété and Allada. I have visited Benin ten times, but today, I feel even more Beninese, » he revealed. For Fresner Delva, an afro-descendant from the U.S., the ceremony symbolized the restoration of an identity long denied by history.

Dual benefits: civic participation and generational legacy

The newly minted Beninese citizens now have the right to fully participate in the country’s civic life. Additionally, they can pass on their citizenship to their children, ensuring a lasting connection to Benin across generations. This initiative reinforces the nation’s role as a beacon of reconciliation and unity for afro-descendants worldwide.