Contents 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 |v