AP ARTICLE: Benin grants citizenship to slave descendants as it faces its own role in the trade

Benin has introduced a groundbreaking citizenship law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved Africans, acknowledging its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. Nate Debos, a 37-year-old American musician from New Orleans, discovered the law during a visit to the Porto Novo mask festival, inspired by his interest in the Vodun religion. Debos, who lis President of the New Orleans National Vodou Day association, highlights cultural ties between Benin and the diaspora. The law represents a significant step in reconciling with the past and strengthening connections with descendants worldwide, particularly through shared traditions like Benin’s Vodun Day, celebrated annually on January 10.

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