Culture: American singer Ciara obtains Beninese citizenship
American singer Ciara has obtained Beninese citizenship alongside two other Afro-descendants, as part of a groundbreaking initiative launched by the authorities in Cotonou to strengthen ties with the African diaspora. During a visit to Ouidah, she walked the Slave Route to the Door of No Return, marking a powerful moment of reconnection with her roots.
American singer Ciara has officially acquired Beninese citizenship, becoming one of the first public figures to benefit from the new citizenship program initiated by the Cotonou authorities for Afro-descendants.
The artist received her naturalization certificate on July 26, during the United Nations International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent, at a ceremony presided over by Beninese President Patrice Talon. Two other Afro-descendants were also granted citizenship during the same event, marking a historic first.
“On July 26, history was made. I had the honor of receiving Beninese nationality,” she wrote on her social media, thanking President Talon, the Benin Tourism Office, and the Beninese people for their warm welcome.
A highlight of her stay, Ciara visited the historic city of Ouidah on the same day, where she followed the Slave Route to the Door of No Return. This journey of remembrance and reflection was experienced as an intimate reconnection with her roots. “Amid emotion, reflection, and heritage, I lived a profound experience of returning to what truly matters,” she shared.
This citizenship program aims to strengthen the symbolic and historical bonds between Benin and the African diaspora, offering official recognition to those seeking to reconnect with their ancestral land.
The singer, who now proudly declares, “I am Beninese,” did not specify whether she will retain her American citizenship.
