Latest news with #PatriceTalon
Daily News Egypt
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Benin Grants Citizenship to African Diaspora Descendants, Including US Singer Ciara
In a historic move to reconnect with its diaspora, Benin has granted citizenship to three individuals of African descent, including American music star Ciara, during a ceremony held in the capital Cotonou on Saturday, July 26. The event marked the implementation of Benin's Diaspora Citizenship Law, enacted in September 2024, which formally recognizes descendants of Africans affected by the transatlantic slave trade as part of the national identity. President Patrice Talon personally handed over naturalization certificates to the honorees, in what was described as a symbolic and emotional gesture aimed at restoring a broken connection with ancestral roots. In a heartfelt speech, Ciara expressed deep gratitude to the people of Benin, stating: 'Today, I am not just an artist… I am Beninese, and that means more than words can express.' However, she did not clarify whether she would retain her US citizenship alongside her new Beninese nationality. President Talon emphasized that the granted citizenship is not merely symbolic. Recipients will enjoy full constitutional rights and are required to reside in Benin for at least three years from the date of naturalization. The recipients also took a formal oath of allegiance, pledging to uphold the Constitution and defend the dignity of the republic. Digital Roots Revival As part of this cultural and political initiative, Benin's government launched a multilingual digital platform to allow members of the African diaspora—particularly those in the Americas and the Caribbean—to apply for citizenship. The platform is a key feature of Benin's new cultural diplomacy strategy, designed to strengthen spiritual and historical ties between the nation and its dispersed descendants across the globe.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Ciara gains Beninese citizenship as country reckons with slave trade history
American singer Ciara has become a citizen of Benin under a new law that grants citizenship to the descendants of enslaved people with roots in Africa. The Grammy-winning star appeared alongside Beninese President Patrice Talon and Justice Minister Yvon Détchénou at a ceremony over the weekend in Cotonou, the west African country's largest city and seat of government.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Journalist critical of Benin president extradited from Ivory Coast
A Beninese journalist living in exile was arrested under circumstances described as a 'trap' by his legal team. Ivory Coast has arrested and extradited to Benin a journalist critical of the small west African country's president, the reporter's lawyers said late on Sunday. Benin was once seen as a thriving multi-party democracy but critics say President Patrice Talon, in power since 2016, has become increasingly repressive. Hugues Comlan Soussoukpe, the publishing director of online newspaper Olofofo, had been living in exile in Togo, where he has held refugee status since 2019, according to his lawyers. Soussoukpe's arrest At the invitation of Ivory Coast's digital transition ministry, he travelled to Abidjan on July 8 for an online innovation forum. On July 11, Benin's press began reporting that he had been arrested in the Ivorian economic capital and extradited. Soussoukpe's lawyer, Charlemagne Dagbedji, confirmed on Sunday that he had been arrested. He demanded that his client's 'fundamental rights be strictly respected' and accused Ivory Coast of inviting the journalist 'for him to then be captured by the Beninese authorities'. ALSO READ: Four Ivory Coast opposition figures barred from October presidential vote Soussoukpe's legal team said in a statement on Sunday evening that he had been imprisoned in Ouidah, south Benin. 'Professional assignment turned into a trap' Condemning the arrest and his extradition, Reporters Without Borders urged Benin to release Soussoukpe immediately. 'What was supposed to be a professional assignment turned into a trap,' added the press freedom watchdog, known by its French acronym RSF. Neither Benin nor Ivory Coast had commented on the journalist's arrest by Monday morning. Online activist jailed Benin has previously been accused of kidnapping online activist Steve Amoussou from neighbouring Togo. Amoussous was detained in August 2024 and in June this year handed a two-year jail sentence for criticising the authorities. NOW READ: Wanted in SA: New extradition request to get Gupta brothers back gains momentum
Korea Herald
22-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Benin's Talon says ECOWAS in need of urgent reform
ABUJA, Nigeria (AFP) -- Benin President Patrice Talon said on Saturday that the west African regional bloc is in trouble, citing stalled infrastructure projects and weak trade links as reasons for reform. He spoke at a regional economic summit of west African nations in Abuja ahead of a routine gathering of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). "ECOWAS is a perfect example of regional integration. Unfortunately, our ECOWAS is in crisis right now," he was quoted as saying in a statement by the Nigerian presidency. Talon singled out the 678-kilometer West African Gas Pipeline through Benin and Togo as a key example of regional dysfunction, blaming delays and poor coordination for its failure to deliver energy across borders. "This failure of regional cooperation wastes resources and undermines integration," he said, adding that Benin now imports gas from Qatar to meet local demand. "It is ridiculous." He also raised concerns over the West African Power Pool, which was designed to link national electricity grids in the region. Despite years of investment, the project is underperforming. "Unless we act decisively, I'm not confident it ever will," Talon said. Talon's remarks aligned with those of Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who said intra-regional trade in west Africa remains below 10 percent. "This low trade is not due to a failure of will but a coordination failure," Tinubu said. "The global economy will not wait for west Africa to get its act together, and neither should we." Talon also said that US President Donald Trump's "trade war" with the rest of the world "should be a wake-up call for all of us." The United States is "giving us a very important lesson -- they are fighting for their own interests," he added.
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Economic Forum 2025 concludes with engaging dialogues and discussions
DOHA: The fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, held in collaboration with Bloomberg, concluded after three days of insightful discussions and idea exchanges, featuring over 3,000 participants and 125 speakers. The forum focused on the challenges shaping the future of the global economy. The forum was graced by the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who officially inaugurated the event under the theme 'The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy'. The opening ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Benin HE Patrice Talon, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, a number of Their Excellencies ministers and officials representing various friendly and brotherly nations, ambassadors, senior officials, parliamentarians, economists, business leaders, media representatives, and delegates from regional and international organizations. Compared to the 20 memoranda of understanding signed in the previous edition, the 2025 forum saw the signing of 24 MoUs, reflecting the growing momentum and impact of the event. The forum's sessions tackled pressing economic, trade, and financial issues at both regional and global levels, including geopolitics, globalization, and trade, energy security, technological advancements, business and investment outlooks, and sports, entertainment, and tourism. These themes formed a comprehensive framework, showcasing the increasing intersections between politics, economics, technology, and culture in shaping the future of economic development. Over the past five years, the Qatar Economic Forum has established itself as a central platform bringing together decision-makers and experts to exchange perspectives on economic challenges and develop strategies for financial stability and sustainable growth. This year's edition boasted participation from heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, CEOs, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs worldwide, reinforcing its growing stature on the global stage. The forum further strengthened Qatar's role as a pivotal center for global economic dialogue, serving as a premier international platform for exchanging views on critical economic challenges and exploring pathways for growth and prosperity in an ever-evolving global environment.
