The Ministry of Justice and Legislation of Benin formally presented citizenship certificates to 28 Afro-descendants at the Cotonou Judicial Complex on July 30, 2026. This solemn event marks a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to historical recognition and symbolic reparations for descendants of the transatlantic slave trade.

The ceremony, led by Justice Minister Yvon Detchenou, was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Corinne Amori Brunet, Justice Ministry Technical Advisor Rose-Marie Sossa, and other key government officials. It underscores Benin’s ongoing efforts to reconnect with its diaspora and honor their ancestral heritage.

Speaking at the event, Rose-Marie Sossa emphasized the deep significance of the date—July 30, which coincides with the World Day Against Human Trafficking. She described the citizenship grants as an act of memory, resilience, and hope for the future, reminding recipients that their new nationality carries responsibilities: civic participation and the ability to pass it to their children. “Beninese citizenship binds you to this nation, its history, values, laws, and institutions,” she stated.

The 28 new citizens, hailing from the United States, Haiti, and other nations, shared heartfelt reactions. God Win Louis, an Afro-Haitian descendant, expressed his profound connection: “My ancestors came from Sakété and Allada. I’ve visited Benin for a decade, but today, I feel even more Beninese than ever.” For Fresner Delva, an Afro-American recipient, the gesture represented more than legal recognition—it was a long-overdue repair of historical injustices and a restoration of identity.