The government of the Republic of Benin has welcomed a new bill aimed at giving Beninese nationality to Afro-descendants. Adopted by the Council of Ministers on May 8, 2024, the bill intends to help Afro-descendants reconnect with their ancestral lands.
The Beninese government under Patrice Talon’s administration, believes that “most Afro-descendants wish to re-establish a connection with their original kingdoms.” However, due to the fragmented nature of historical archives and the varied trajectories of the deported individuals, it is challenging to obtain precise information about the victims of the slave trade, their destinations, and subsequent fate.
The bill defines an Afro-descendant as “any person who, according to their genealogy, has a Sub-Saharan African ancestor deported from the African continent during the slave trade.” Proof of Afro-descendance is provided by the applicant through any civil or official documentation, witnessed testimonies by authenticated act, DNA test conducted by an accredited institution in Benin, or any other technical or scientific means.
If the law is approved by the Parliament, individuals who meet the defined criteria will be eligible for Beninese nationality. This would be an acquisition by “recognition”. It will therefore grant all rights and obligations except political rights and access to the Beninese civil service.
Since 2016, the West African country of over 11 million population, has abolished entry visas for African nationals. Through this new measure, Benin wants to strengthen its pan-African policy. Meanwhile the African Union (AU) recognizes the Diaspora as the sixth region of the African continent.
Benin plans to grant citizenship to Afro-Descendants
