Several African countries have laws that restrict or prohibit citizens from holding citizenship in more than one country, reflecting different approaches to national identity, allegiance, and immigration.
Although dual citizenship offers individuals opportunities to travel, work and enjoy other benefits across borders, some governments maintain strict nationality laws that limit or withdraw citizenship when their nationals voluntarily acquire another country’s nationality.
As reported by MSN, a Microsoft online news platform, on Wednesday, African countries with restrictions on dual citizenship include Botswana, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Guinea, Libya and Mauritania.
The nature of the restrictions varies, with some countries imposing an outright prohibition while others make exceptions based on age, the manner in which citizenship was acquired or government authorisation.
In Botswana, citizens have traditionally been required to choose between Botswana citizenship and another nationality by the age of 21. However, proposed reforms backed by Parliament in 2025 could expand the country’s recognition of multiple citizenship.
Cameroon’s nationality laws provide for the possible loss of Cameroonian citizenship when an adult voluntarily acquires or retains another nationality.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains one of the continent’s strictest positions. Its Constitution describes Congolese nationality as one and exclusive, effectively ruling out the recognition of dual citizenship.
Equatorial Guinea also maintains restrictive nationality provisions, with dual citizenship generally prohibited except where permitted under applicable treaties.
In Eritrea, citizens who voluntarily acquire another nationality may face the loss of Eritrean citizenship, although exceptions and administrative practices can affect how the rules are applied.
Ethiopia similarly maintains restrictions on dual nationality. Ethiopian citizens who acquire another nationality may lose their Ethiopian status, although the country recognises a separate status known as foreign national of Ethiopian origin.
Eswatini’s nationality framework also imposes restrictions, particularly on naturalised citizens who acquire another nationality. The position for citizens by birth is subject to specific legal provisions and exceptions.
In Guinea, nationality laws restrict the retention of Guinean citizenship by individuals who voluntarily acquire foreign nationality, subject to applicable exceptions.
Libya has also maintained restrictive provisions on dual nationality, with the acquisition of another citizenship potentially affecting a person’s Libyan nationality status.
Mauritania has moved toward permitting dual citizenship by law in recent years, but with notable restrictions, such as limits on eligibility for certain public offices. So dual status may exist, but it’s largely constrained.
The restrictions reflect differing government positions on national allegiance and citizenship. While some countries have maintained strict single-nationality policies, others have considered reforms to accommodate citizens with connections to multiple countries.
Full list of 10 countries
Botswana
Cameroon
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Eswatini
Guinea
Libya
Mauritania
