The government of Benin, under President Patrice Talon, has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at offering citizenship to individuals of African descent, in an effort to heal the scars of the transatlantic slave trade and strengthen pan-African ties.

This initiative, which is currently under review by the Beninese Parliament, seeks to provide Beninese nationality by recognition to those who can trace their ancestry to sub-Saharan Africans forcibly removed from the continent during the slave trade era. The proposed measure defines an Afro-descendant as anyone whose genealogy includes sub-Saharan African ancestry deported as part of the slave trade.

To qualify, applicants must furnish proof of their African descent through civil status documents, authenticated testimonies, or DNA tests conducted by accredited institutions in Benin. However, it's important to note that the citizenship offered under this bill will not include political rights, such as voting or eligibility for civil service positions.

Successful candidates will initially receive a three-year Benin passport. For a naturalization certificate, they are required to spend some time in the country before their passport expires, fostering a connection with the land of their ancestors.

This move is part of a broader pan-Africanist policy promoted by Benin since 2016, which also includes the recent elimination of visa requirements for citizens of 31 African nations for stays up to 90 days. The government hopes that the legislation will encourage investment and participation in the socio-economic development of Benin.

If enacted, Benin will join a small group of African nations such as Liberia and Rwanda, which extend citizenship by descent beyond the immediate descendants. The bill also aligns with ECOWAS efforts, potentially facilitating residency and free movement within its 15 member countries for the new citizens.

This legislation is viewed by some as a step toward greater African unity and solidarity, although questions remain about the practical benefits for those acquiring Beninese passports, given their limited global mobility. The proposal is still pending a parliamentary vote.