In a historic move that repositions the Republic of Benin as a global gateway for the “Global African Family,” the Beninese government has formally activated a new law granting citizenship to descendants of victims of the transatlantic slave trade.
The initiative is receiving a massive global boost from legendary American filmmaker Spike Lee, who has reportedly accepted a role as an “Ambassador of Identity” for the program, helping to connect millions in the diaspora to their ancestral roots in West Africa.
Passed by the Beninese Parliament and championed by President Patrice Talon, the legislation is one of the most progressive nationality laws on the continent.
Any person of African descent who can prove their ancestry through DNA testing or documented genealogical research is eligible to apply.
Unlike traditional residency-based citizenship, this law recognizes “blood rights” (jus sanguinis) for those whose ancestors were forcibly removed from the “Slave Coast” (modern-day Benin/Nigeria).
Spike Lee, whose own heritage has been linked to the region, is leveraging his global platform to market Benin as a destination for “cultural pilgrimage” and investment, urging African Americans and Caribbeans to “claim what is theirs.”
Benin’s rise as a diaspora hub follows the global success of films like The Woman King, which highlighted the history of the Kingdom of Dahomey (Benin).
For Nigeria, Benin’s move is expected to create a “Pan-African corridor” of tourism and trade.
Many in the diaspora with roots in the Benin Republic also share cultural ties with the Yoruba and Edo peoples of Nigeria. The citizenship law is likely to see “multi-stop” ancestral tours between Cotonou and Lagos.
Analysts suggest that Nigeria may face pressure to introduce a similar “Right of Return” law to compete for the billions of dollars in “diaspora investment” currently being courted by Benin and Ghana.
The Nigerian government is reportedly in talks with Benin to ease cross-border movement for these “new citizens” to facilitate regional tourism.
Speaking at a cultural festival in Ouidah, a government spokesperson stated:
“For centuries, the world told our brothers and sisters they had no home. Today, with the help of visionaries like Spike Lee, we are telling them: the Door of No Return has been turned around. It is now the Door of Homecoming.”
