(which can create problems in practice: see section 3.3). In 2013, Côte d’Ivoire established a timelimited special naturalization program in an attempt to provide access to nationality for a large number of people born in the country who had previously been excluded (this is not reflected in table 4, but see box in section 4.1). In Liberia, only “negroes” may be citizens of any kind, including by naturalisation.62 This was also the case in Sierra Leone, where those without a parent of negro-African descent did not have a right to naturalise between 1961 (one year after independence) and 1977; non-“negro-Africans” are still subject to a residence period of fifteen years in Sierra Leone rather than eight years for “negroAfricans” (and non-“negro-Africans” cannot be citizens from birth).63 Some countries also provide for an easier process of acquisition known as option or registration (though the terminology is not consistent), in the case of those who acquire on the basis of marriage (see above) or, for example, where gender discrimination applies but the child of a national mother may choose to obtain nationality even if nationality is not automatically attributed.64 The international conventions call for states to facilitate the naturalisation of refugee and stateless persons.65 The laws of most West African countries in principle allow for the naturalisation of refugees and stateless persons on the same or similar terms as other foreigners, through the usual procedures; and a few provide in general terms that refugees who qualify may be assisted to obtain naturalisation.66 Only the law of Guinea Bissau specifically provides for naturalisation of refugees to be facilitated; though that of Sierra Leone generally endorses the provisions of international conventions relating to local integration.67 Few countries globally, and none in West Africa, have adopted legislation to facilitate naturalisation specifically for stateless persons. 62 Constitution of Liberia 1984, Article 27(b). “Every person of full age and capacity, neither of whose parents is a person of negro African descent who is resident in Sierra Leone and has been continuously so resident for a period of not less than fifteen years may on application being made by him in the manner prescribed, be granted a certificate of naturalisation if he satisfies the Minister that he is qualified for naturalisation under the provisions set for the in the Third Schedule”. Sierra Leone Citizenship Amendment Act, No. 13 of 1976, amending section 8(3) of the principal act. The third schedule and section 9 of the act set out requirements related to a clean criminal record, knowledge of an indigenous Sierra Leonean language, oath of allegiance, and payment of fees. 64 This was the case in Senegal before gender discrimination was removed in 2013. 65 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951, Article 34; Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 1954, Article 32; Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, 1961, Articles 1-4. 66 For example, Nigeria’s National Commission For Refugees, etc. Act, 1989, Article 17 states that: “Subject to the provisions of relevant laws and regulations relating to naturalisation, the Federal Commissioner shall use his best endeavours to assist a refugee, who has satisfied the criteria relating to the acquisition of Nigerian nationality, to acquire the status of naturalisation under such relevant laws and regulations.” Ghana has a provision that “Subject to the relevant laws and regulations relating to naturalisation, the Board may assist a refugee who has satisfied the conditions applicable to the acquisition of Ghanaian nationality to acquire Ghanaian nationality.” Ghana Refugee Law, 1992 (PNDCL 305D), section 14. 67 The law reduces the period of residence required for naturalisation in Guinea Bissau from 10 years to 7 years. Lei No.6/2008, Estatudo do Refugiado, Article 34. Sierra Leone Refugee Protection Act, 2007, Article 23. 63 23