Benin grants citizenship to descendants of enslaved people. US singer Ciara is among the first

Yvon Detchenou, Benin’s Minister of Justice and Legislation, right, presents citizenship documents to singer Ciara at a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday July 26, 2025. (Benin Presidency via AP)Yvon Detchenou, Benin’s Minister of Justice and Legislation, right, presents citizenship documents to singer Ciara at a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday July 26, 2025. (Benin Presidency via AP)Singer Ciara, center, poses for a photo with government officials and other beneficiaries of the diaspora program with their citizenship documents during a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, Saturday July 26, 2025. (Benin Presidency via AP)

Read MoreCiara walks on stage at the ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
3 of 3 |
Ciara walks on stage at the ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Read MoreShare
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — U.S. singer Ciara is one of the first public figures to become a citizen of Benin under a recent law by the small West African country granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people.

The Grammy-winning performer’s acquisition of citizenship at a ceremony Saturday in the city of Cotonou is part of a broader initiative by Benin to attract the Black diaspora, acknowledge the country’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, and promote tourism focused on slavery-related sites of remembrance.

“By legally recognizing these children of Africa, Benin is healing a historical wound. It is an act of justice, but also one of belonging and hope,” Justice Minister Yvon Détchénou said at the ceremony.

Here’s what to know about Benin’s efforts to welcome descendants of enslaved people: