<
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/benin-offers-citizenship-african-diaspora-with-help-spike-lee-2026-01-14/>
“OUIDAH, Benin, Jan 14 (
Reuters) - Isaline Attelly, a native of the Caribbean
island of Martinique, had been living in Benin for nearly a year before she
learned that her family's connection to the West African country went back much
further.
Genealogical records confirmed her great-grandmother on her mother's side was
born in what is now Benin and, at the height of transatlantic slavery, was
trafficked across the Atlantic Ocean.
The discovery last year prompted Attelly, a 28-year-old content creator, to
enrol in a new programme offering Beninese citizenship to people of African
descent.
The "My Afro Origins" programme is an important piece of President Patrice
Talon's plan to raise his country's profile, including among prospective
tourists, by highlighting its prominent role in the transatlantic trafficking
of enslaved people.
"For me, it's a source of pride. It feels like my journey has come full
circle," Attelly told
Reuters after her naturalisation ceremony. "I am proud
and very happy to be able to represent my ancestors."”
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
