American singer Ciara Princess Wilson has officially acquired Beninese nationality, becoming one of the first prominent figures to benefit from a groundbreaking citizenship program launched by Cotonou authorities aimed at strengthening ties with the African diaspora. Ciara, along with two other individuals of African descent, received her naturalization certificate in a historic ceremony.
The artist received her citizenship certificate on July 26, which is notably the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent. The ceremony was presided over by Beninese President Patrice Talon. “On July 26, history was made. I had the honor of receiving Beninese nationality,” Ciara shared on social media, extending her gratitude to President Talon, the Benin Tourism Board, and the Beninese people for their warm welcome. Her decision to seek Beninese citizenship follows her tracing a significant part of her ancestry to Benin through DNA testing.
A significant highlight of her visit was a powerful journey to the historic city of Ouidah on the same day. Ciara traversed the Slave Route, culminating at the poignant Door of No Return. This journey of remembrance and contemplation was described by the singer as a profound and intimate reconnection with her ancestral roots. “Between emotion, contemplation, and heritage, I had a profound experience of returning to the essential,” she remarked.
This new citizenship program underscores Benin’s commitment to strengthening symbolic and historical ties with the African diaspora by offering official recognition to those who wish to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. The digital platform has also been launched to facilitate this process, offering descendants of the Diaspora the possibility of acquiring Beninese nationality.
The singer, who now proudly proclaims “I am Beninese,” has not specified whether she will retain her American nationality. This initiative by Benin mirrors similar efforts by other African nations, such as Ghana, to foster deeper connections with the global African diaspora.
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