American singer and songwriter Lauryn Hill became one of many African Americans to visit Benin after the new slavery descendants bill became law.
The award-winning artist was in the country to celebrate Benin’s independence alongside the people of Benin. Her visit was facilitated by Benin Tourism and the Benin EYA centre, according to one of the organisers.
The project is part of the country’s ongoing effort to create tangible opportunities for its citizens and Afro-descendants worldwide.
The slavery descendants law
Enacted in 2024, the My Afro Origins Law offers people with an African ancestor who was taken from their homeland as part of the transatlantic slave trade an opportunity to become citizens. Benin joined countries like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, which also offer citizenship to Descendants.
R&B musician Ciara is the latest African-American to be granted citizenship under the new law.
The “Goodies” singer shared her gratitude in an Instagram post: “Thank you, Benin, for opening your arms and your heart to me”.
The citizenship scheme is part of an initiative by the small West African country to build ties with the African diaspora and boost cultural tourism.
This act, which is symbolic, humane and historic, is not merely an administrative gesture. It is a gesture of the soul, a return to one’s roots, a hand extended to those whom history, in its brutality, had torn from this land,” the government said in a statement on Monday, following the ceremony.
