Spike Lee Aids Benin’s Citizenship Offer to African Diaspora

Benin’s “My Afro Origins” programme, which offers citizenship to people of African descent, is gaining traction under President Patrice Talon. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the African diaspora and Africa by promoting its historical significance in the transatlantic slave trade.

Citizenship Programme Overview

The “My Afro Origins” programme was launched to provide citizenship opportunities for individuals who can prove their ancestry is linked to Benin or the broader African continent. This initiative responds to thousands of applications, with around 50 applicants having received citizenship since its inception.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Proof of African ancestry through documents or DNA testing is required.
• Applicants cannot be citizens of another African nation.

Historical Context

One noteworthy success story comes from Isaline Attelly, a content creator from Martinique. After discovering her ancestral ties to Benin, Attelly applied for citizenship and shared her pride in representing her heritage.

Several heritage projects have emerged alongside the programme, including the “Door of No Return” in Ouidah. This site signifies a departure point for enslaved Africans and commemorates their history. A replica of an 18th-century slave ship, also under construction, will help to visualize this painful past.

Celebrity Involvement

To amplify the programme’s visibility, filmmaker Spike Lee was appointed as an ambassador. He encourages African Americans to reconnect with their roots and embrace their heritage. His wife, Tonya Lee Lewis, supports this initiative as well.

In a significant move, American R&B singer Ciara received her Beninese citizenship in July 2025. She recently performed at a voodoo festival in Ouidah, celebrating her ancestral connections while delighting local audiences.

Future Prospects

Benin’s initiative parallels a similar programme in Ghana, which has granted citizenship to 684 members of the African diaspora since 2016. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also supports the concept of a “right of return” for descendants of enslaved people as part of a broader reparations strategy.

Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari has expressed his hope that the “My Afro Origins” programme will not only strengthen global ties between Africa and its diaspora but will also highlight the country’s historical significance, paving the way for further development.