The Ministry of Justice and Legislation took a historic step on July 30, 2026, at the Cotonou Judicial Complex, awarding official Beninese citizenship to 28 Afro-descendants reclaiming their ancestral roots. The solemn ceremony, steeped in significance, underscores the nation’s commitment to historical recognition and symbolic reparations.
Led by the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation Yvon Detchenou, the event drew key figures including Foreign Affairs Minister Corinne Amori Brunet and Senior Legal Advisor Rose-Marie Sossa. The timing of the ceremony held deep meaning, aligning with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons—a poignant reminder of Benin’s resolve to confront its past.
Honoring heritage and fostering belonging
In her address, Senior Legal Advisor Rose-Marie Sossa framed the citizenship grants as a testament to memory, resilience, and a shared future. She emphasized how the recognition not only restores identity but also empowers recipients to participate fully in civic life and pass citizenship to their descendants. “This Beninese nationality binds you to the nation’s legacy, its laws, and its institutions,” she stated.
A journey of reconnection and pride
For the 28 recipients—hailing from the United States, Haiti, and beyond—the moment was deeply moving. God Win Louis, an Afro-Haitian descendant, traced his lineage to Sakété and Allada. “I’ve visited Benin for a decade, but today, I feel even more connected to this land,” he shared. Fresner Delva, an Afro-American recipient, called the gesture a long-overdue correction of historical wrongs and a restoration of dignity.
The ceremony underscored Benin’s dedication to healing old wounds while building bridges with its global diaspora, ensuring that heritage remains a living, evolving force.