The Right to Nationality in Africa

1. Introduction                                                                                     1

1.1 Background                                                                                  1

1.2 Methodology                                                                                 3

1.3 Historical context                                                                           4

2. Origins of African laws on nationality                                            8

3. Legal definition of nationality                                                        13

4. Nationality and the limitations of State sovereignty                   15

4.1 The decisive role of the United Nations                                            16

4.2 Contribution of other regional systems                                             18

4.3 Implications for Africa                                                                     20

5. Nationality and African States’ laws and practices                       21

5.1 Transition to independence                                                              21

5.2 Determination of nationality for those born after independence            22

5.3 Recognition of the right to nationality                                                23

5.4 Nationality of origin                                                                         24

5.5 Nationality by acquisition                                                                  26

5.6 Multiple nationality                                                                           29

5.7 Discrimination                                                                                  32

5.8 Loss and deprivation of nationality                                                     33

5.9 Procedural rules                                                                               35

5.10 Nationality and succession of States                                                  38

5.11 Regional citizenship                                                                         47

6. Conclusion and recommendations                                                     50

Appendices                                                                                                54