• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Technology and Science
  • Opinion
  • Columns
  • Exposé
  • World
  • Lifestyle
Benin Considers Citizenship for Descendants Of Enslaved Africans

Benin Considers Citizenship For Descendants Of Enslaved Africans

1 year ago
Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Plans Mnangagwa’s Tenure Extension

Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

7 hours ago
Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

9 hours ago
Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

13 hours ago
MWC Kigali
Morocco Eyes Record Tourism Boom As Autumn Season Heats Up

Morocco Eyes Record Tourism Boom As Autumn Season Heats Up

13 hours ago
20 Years Later…Same Old Wahala

Pardon as an Instrument of Impunity

18 hours ago
Friday, October 17, 2025
  • About
  • HT Management
  • Privacy Policy
Heritage Times
No Result
View All Result
Translate |
  • Login
  • Politics
    Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

    Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

    Madagascar: My Swearing-In Happening Soon — Coup Leader

    Madagascar: My Swearing-In Happening Soon — Coup Leader

    Madagascar: Lawmakers Impeach Fleeing President As Military Takes Power

    Madagascar: Lawmakers Impeach Fleeing President As Military Takes Power

    Cameroon: Opposition Candidate, Bakary Urges Biya To Concede Defeat

    Cameroon: Opposition Candidate, Bakary Urges Biya To Concede Defeat

    Madagascar: Presidency Raises Alarm Over Possible Coup As More Soldiers Back Protests

    Madagascar: President Rajoelina Flees After Losing Army’s Support

    Cameroon: Influential Minister Resigns, To Challenge President Biya At Polls

    Cameroon: Opposition Candidate, Bakary Takes Early Lead In Paul Biya’s Stronghold

    Madagascar: Presidency Raises Alarm Over Possible Coup As More Soldiers Back Protests

    Madagascar: Presidency Raises Alarm Over Possible Coup As More Soldiers Back Protests

    Cameroon Votes In Presidential Election Sunday As 92-Year-Old Biya Seeks 8th Term

    Cameroon Votes In Presidential Election Sunday As 92-Year-Old Biya Seeks 8th Term

    S/Sudan: President Kiir Sacks Long-Serving Intelligence Chief

    South Sudan: President Kiir Sacks Newly Appointed Military Chief, Reinstates Predecessor

  • Economy
    Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Plans Mnangagwa’s Tenure Extension

    Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

    Nigeria Emerges G-24 Chair, Assures Global Economic Equity, Stability

    Nigeria Emerges G-24 Chair, Assures Global Economic Equity, Stability

    World Bank, AfDB, Partners Launch Global ‘AgriConnect’ Initiative To Transform Smallholder Farming, Create Millions Of Jobs

    World Bank, AfDB, Partners Launch Global ‘AgriConnect’ Initiative To Transform Smallholder Farming, Create Millions Of Jobs

    UK Launches Trade Reforms Aimed At Boosting Exports And Jobs In Africa

    US, China Trade New Port Fees In Escalating Maritime Showdown

    Kenya: Parliament Enacts Law To Regulate Cryptocurrencies

    Kenya: Parliament Enacts Law To Regulate Cryptocurrencies

    AfDB President Calls For Renewed Global Support Ahead Of ADF-17 Pledging Session

    AfDB President Calls For Renewed Global Support Ahead Of ADF-17 Pledging Session

    In Response To Youth-Led Protests, King Of Morocco Urges Reforms To Create Jobs

    World Bank Urges Ethiopia To Fast-Track Telecom Reforms To Bridge Digital Divide

    World Bank Urges Ethiopia To Fast-Track Telecom Reforms To Bridge Digital Divide

    Kenya: 3,000 Jobs Lost As Govt Leases Foremost Textile Firm To Private Investor

    Kenya: 3,000 Jobs Lost As Govt Leases Foremost Textile Firm To Private Investor

  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Metro
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Legal
  • Tech & Science
  • Opinion
  • Exposé
  • Exclusive Videos
  • Niger Delta
  • World
  • Politics
    Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

    Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

    Madagascar: My Swearing-In Happening Soon — Coup Leader

    Madagascar: My Swearing-In Happening Soon — Coup Leader

    Madagascar: Lawmakers Impeach Fleeing President As Military Takes Power

    Madagascar: Lawmakers Impeach Fleeing President As Military Takes Power

    Cameroon: Opposition Candidate, Bakary Urges Biya To Concede Defeat

    Cameroon: Opposition Candidate, Bakary Urges Biya To Concede Defeat

    Madagascar: Presidency Raises Alarm Over Possible Coup As More Soldiers Back Protests

    Madagascar: President Rajoelina Flees After Losing Army’s Support

    Cameroon: Influential Minister Resigns, To Challenge President Biya At Polls

    Cameroon: Opposition Candidate, Bakary Takes Early Lead In Paul Biya’s Stronghold

    Madagascar: Presidency Raises Alarm Over Possible Coup As More Soldiers Back Protests

    Madagascar: Presidency Raises Alarm Over Possible Coup As More Soldiers Back Protests

    Cameroon Votes In Presidential Election Sunday As 92-Year-Old Biya Seeks 8th Term

    Cameroon Votes In Presidential Election Sunday As 92-Year-Old Biya Seeks 8th Term

    S/Sudan: President Kiir Sacks Long-Serving Intelligence Chief

    South Sudan: President Kiir Sacks Newly Appointed Military Chief, Reinstates Predecessor

  • Economy
    Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Plans Mnangagwa’s Tenure Extension

    Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

    Nigeria Emerges G-24 Chair, Assures Global Economic Equity, Stability

    Nigeria Emerges G-24 Chair, Assures Global Economic Equity, Stability

    World Bank, AfDB, Partners Launch Global ‘AgriConnect’ Initiative To Transform Smallholder Farming, Create Millions Of Jobs

    World Bank, AfDB, Partners Launch Global ‘AgriConnect’ Initiative To Transform Smallholder Farming, Create Millions Of Jobs

    UK Launches Trade Reforms Aimed At Boosting Exports And Jobs In Africa

    US, China Trade New Port Fees In Escalating Maritime Showdown

    Kenya: Parliament Enacts Law To Regulate Cryptocurrencies

    Kenya: Parliament Enacts Law To Regulate Cryptocurrencies

    AfDB President Calls For Renewed Global Support Ahead Of ADF-17 Pledging Session

    AfDB President Calls For Renewed Global Support Ahead Of ADF-17 Pledging Session

    In Response To Youth-Led Protests, King Of Morocco Urges Reforms To Create Jobs

    World Bank Urges Ethiopia To Fast-Track Telecom Reforms To Bridge Digital Divide

    World Bank Urges Ethiopia To Fast-Track Telecom Reforms To Bridge Digital Divide

    Kenya: 3,000 Jobs Lost As Govt Leases Foremost Textile Firm To Private Investor

    Kenya: 3,000 Jobs Lost As Govt Leases Foremost Textile Firm To Private Investor

  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Metro
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Legal
  • Tech & Science
  • Opinion
  • Exposé
  • Exclusive Videos
  • Niger Delta
  • World
No Result
View All Result
First with the News

Benin Considers Citizenship For Descendants Of Enslaved Africans

With the initiative, Benin reaffirms its dedication to pan-Africanism and recognizes the significant contributions of the African diaspora to the continent's past and future.

May 20, 2024
in Featured, Top Stories
0
Benin Considers Citizenship for Descendants Of Enslaved Africans
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

By John Ikani

Lawmakers in Benin are evaluating a proposal to grant citizenship by descent to third-generation descendants of Africans across the globe, particularly those from Haiti, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the United States.

Relatedreading

Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

This legislation, if passed, would position Benin alongside other African nations like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Rwanda, and Zambia, who already offer similar citizenship paths. The proposal was brought to light during a recent meeting of Benin’s Council of Ministers.

MWC Kigali MWC Kigali MWC Kigali
ADVERTISEMENT

Reconnecting the Past

The bill aims to bridge the historical gap created by the horrors of slavery. It seeks to acknowledge and potentially reconnect with descendants of Beninese victims of the transatlantic slave trade, a brutal episode that profoundly impacted both Benin and the entire continent of Africa.

This initiative builds upon the government’s recent decision to waive visa requirements for citizens of 31 African nations for short-term stays (under 90 days).

The government further highlighted that the draft law presented to the National Assembly strengthens Benin’s commitment to pan-Africanism, a policy actively promoted since 2016 through visa abolition for all African citizens. It underscores a strong desire for increased African integration.

Requirements for Citizenship

The proposed legislation outlines that anyone who can demonstrate their ancestral connection to Africa would be eligible for Beninese citizenship. As per the Benin government’s General Secretariat, the bill aligns with Article 98 of the nation’s constitution, which states that citizenship and civil rights fall under the jurisdiction of law.

Proof of Ancestry

To obtain Beninese citizenship, applicants would be required to provide concrete evidence of their Afro-descendant heritage. This proof could include official documents, verified testimonies, or DNA testing, as specified by the General Secretariat of the Benin Government.

Issuing Passports

Qualified individuals would be issued a three-year Beninese passport as the initial step in the recognition process. This passport would grant visa-free access to 63 destinations worldwide. However, to obtain the final citizenship certificate, residence within Benin would be mandatory.

Significance of the Initiative

This groundbreaking proposal acknowledges the profound historical and cultural ties that transcend immediate generations. It aims to mend connections severed by historical injustices like slavery and forced migration.

With the initiative, Benin reaffirms its dedication to pan-Africanism and recognizes the significant contributions of the African diaspora to the continent’s past and future.

Alignment with Pan-African Goals

This move aligns with Benin’s broader efforts to promote African unity and integration. For instance, Liberia, with its unique history of resettling freed African Americans offers citizenship to descendants of these settlers, acknowledging the enduring bond between the nation and its diaspora.

Similarly, Sierra Leone extends citizenship to those with ancestral ties to the country, recognizing the vast African diaspora formed by the transatlantic slave trade.

Despite their complex political landscapes, Sudan and South Sudan have also embraced inclusive citizenship laws welcoming third-generation descendants.

Eritrea’s approach to citizenship for descendants reflects its broader efforts to engage with its global diaspora, which has played a crucial role in the nation’s socio-economic development.

Rwanda, recovering from the aftermath of genocide, views the inclusion of third-generation descendants in its citizenship laws as a critical step towards national reconciliation and rebuilding.

This inclusive policy seeks to heal divisions and foster a unified national identity that extends beyond immediate familial ties.

Likewise, Zambia’s progressive stance on nationality laws has also opened its doors to third-generation descendants.

ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

ICC Prosecutor Initiates Arrest Proceedings Against Israeli And Hamas Leaders

Next Post

UK Calls Out Nigerian Govt Over Unpaid £8.4m Embassy Ground Rent 

Related Posts

Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Plans Mnangagwa’s Tenure Extension

Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

October 16, 2025
Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

October 16, 2025

Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

Morocco Eyes Record Tourism Boom As Autumn Season Heats Up

Pardon as an Instrument of Impunity

South Africa Pursuing Genocide Case Against Israel Despite Ceasefire — Ramaphosa

Next Post
7 Key Points From President Tinubu’s Address To Nigerians

UK Calls Out Nigerian Govt Over Unpaid £8.4m Embassy Ground Rent 

Please login to join discussion
MWC Kigali MWC Kigali MWC Kigali
AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2 AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2 AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2

Updates

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Plans Mnangagwa’s Tenure Extension

Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

October 16, 2025
Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

October 16, 2025
Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

October 16, 2025
Morocco Eyes Record Tourism Boom As Autumn Season Heats Up

Morocco Eyes Record Tourism Boom As Autumn Season Heats Up

October 16, 2025
JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia
ADVERTISEMENT

Most Recent

Zimbabwe: IMF Commends Economic Progress, But Rules Out Fresh Borrowing

October 16, 2025

Kenya: Police Disperse Mourners Who Came To See Odinga’s Body With Teargas

October 16, 2025

Nigeria: Senate Confirms Professor Of Law As Electoral Commission Chairman

October 16, 2025

Morocco Eyes Record Tourism Boom As Autumn Season Heats Up

October 16, 2025

Pardon as an Instrument of Impunity

October 16, 2025

South Africa Pursuing Genocide Case Against Israel Despite Ceasefire — Ramaphosa

October 15, 2025

Madagascar: My Swearing-In Happening Soon — Coup Leader

October 15, 2025

Britain Must Urgently Prepare For Hotter Temperatures, Climate Advisers Warn

October 15, 2025

About

Heritage Times HT stands as a beacon of pan-African journalism, dedicated to amplyfing the rich tapestry of voices and narratives across the continent. With unwavering commitment, we illuminate the evocative essence of Africa, offering a fresh perspective that captivates our global audience.

Featured

One Year of Transformative Stewardship: Walson-Jack’s Innovative Impact on Nigeria’s Civil Service

Africa’s Largest Tech Event, MWC25 Kigali, Returns With Focus On Innovation, Policy

Nadine Djuiko: Meet The Cameroonian Woman Behind Maryland’s Million-Dollar Braiding Empire

Connect

Connect with us on social media and receive timely updates on the go.

Get Updates

  • About
  • HT Management
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 Heritage Times (HT) Media.

No Result
View All Result
  • Welcome
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Security
  • Exposé
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Technology and Science
  • Columns
    • Opinion
  • World
  • __________________
  • Make a Donation
  • Photo Speaks
  • Videos
  • You-Report
  • Whistleblower
  • Advertise
  • HT Events
  • HT Management
  • About HT
  • Contact us

© 2025 Heritage Times (HT) Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In