Benin’s “My Afro Origins” Program: A Path to Citizenship for the African Diaspora
Isaline Attelly, a vibrant 28-year-old content creator from Martinique, is living proof of the deep connections between Africans and their diaspora. After almost a year in Benin, she discovered her family’s roots in the West African nation. This revelation about her great-grandmother, a victim of the transatlantic slave trade, inspired her to take part in Benin’s ambitious “My Afro Origins” program, aimed at offering citizenship to people of African descent.
The Historical Context and Significance
The “My Afro Origins” initiative is part of President Patrice Talon’s broader strategy to reshape Benin’s image and enhance its appeal to tourists. The program not only emphasizes the historical significance of Benin in the transatlantic slave trade but also seeks to reconnect Afro-descendants with their ancestral heritage. Attelly expressed her sentiments after her naturalization ceremony, stating, “For me, it’s a source of pride. It feels like my journey has come full circle.”
Celebrating Heritage with New Installations
Coinciding with the launch of the citizenship program, several projects aimed at bringing the history of the slave trade to life are underway. One noteworthy project is the construction of a “Door of No Return” in Ouidah, a notorious departure point for enslaved people. Additionally, a replica of an 18th-century slave ship is being built, featuring sculptures representing nearly 300 captives. Moreover, the government is set to open an International Museum of Memory and Slavery, located in the former residence of a prominent slave trader, Francisco Felix de Souza.
High-Profile Support and Advocacy
To amplify this historical vision, President Talon has enlisted celebrity ambassadors, including filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lee Lewis. They aim to encourage African-Americans to reconnect with their roots. Lee poignantly articulated the program’s mission: “Our brothers and sisters in Benin are telling us: come home, welcome us home, come back to the motherland.”
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Recently, American R&B star Ciara became one of the earliest beneficiaries of Beninese citizenship. She performed at a concert in Ouidah as part of a yearly festival dedicated to voodoo. Her husband, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, expressed interest in obtaining citizenship, stating he hoped to do so “real soon.” These moments highlight the program’s growing recognition within the African diaspora and its cultural impact.
An Expanding Initiative
Since its inception, around 50 individuals have successfully acquired citizenship through the “My Afro Origins” program, with the Justice Ministry processing thousands of applications—up to 100 new submissions daily. To qualify, individuals must be at least 18 years old and provide documentation or DNA evidence of their ties to Africa, with the caveat that they cannot be citizens of another African nation.
A Broader Movement for the African Diaspora
Benin’s citizenship initiative parallels similar efforts in Ghana, where over 680 members of the African diaspora have received citizenship since 2016. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has also endorsed a “right of return” for descendants of enslaved individuals, as part of a reparations framework established in 2014. This wider movement advocates for the return and settlement of those whose ancestors were forcibly displaced, emphasizing the responsibility of European nations in funding these efforts.
Future Aspirations and Vision
The Beninese government, through its Foreign Ministry, emphasizes that the program is not just about citizenship; it’s about fostering a robust relationship between Africa and its diaspora. Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari remarked, “We believe that Africa cannot develop without a strong involvement of its diaspora.” The underlying goal is to unify those who recognize their connection to the continent, thereby enriching both African heritage and the diaspora experience.
The “My Afro Origins” program marks a significant step in reconnecting the African diaspora with their ancestral roots, presenting a powerful narrative of identity, heritage, and belonging.