In Cameroon, the nationality code of June 11, 1968, states that; once a Cameroonian citizen obtains the citizenship of another country, s/he automatically loses his or her Cameroonian nationality.
The law of June 1968 provides four ways to gain Cameroonian nationality through acquisition, declaration, naturalisation and restoration (ss.17-29).
It stipulates that when one loses Cameroonian nationality, reinstatement (for instance through restoration) has to be sanctioned by decree (although the law is unclear from what authority).
While there are many positive elements in June 1968 law (for instance it is gracious to those born stateless: s.12), it tends to be discriminatory towards women as an acquisition of nationality by marriage favours Cameroonian men and not Cameroonian women wishing to take foreign men as spouses (s.17).
What remains insoluble is the loss of nationality by willfully acquiring or keeping foreign nationality as ordained in s.31 (a). A n attempt by the Social Democratic Front in 2014 to introduce an amendment to this provision did not garner enough support.
The issue of dual citizenship for Cameroonians is contentious. Those against contend that dual nationality will lead to forfeiture of visa application fees vital for the upkeep of Cameroonian embassies. Secondly, they argue it will foster forum-shopping recidivism. Thirdly, they assert that in an era of Boko Haram, it could foster insecurity. Fourthly, that Cameroonians in the Diaspora are not needed in national development. Fifthly that dual citizenship is fillip for anti-patriotic behaviour. Finally for them, those in the Diaspora could return to challenge incumbents for elective offices.
Case for Dual Citizenship for Cameroon
However, the majority of these arguments tend to be backward-looking. Take money, for instance. A solution could be (for a start) to levy a flat tax of about 50 US Dollars per annum on all those who desire to retain dual citizenship. The US taxes all its citizens and green card holders even if they never lived there.
This will help in dealing with the shortfall that could result from the forfeiture of visa application fees from native-born Cameroonians holding other passports. Also, Cameroon is not only attractive to its native-born population abroad.
Second; in those instances where egregious crimes have been committed, extradition treaties should be negotiated or invoked so that criminals do not exploit loopholes and forum shop. Negotiating these treaties is possible. In very serious cases, the services of Interpol could be solicited.
Third; in terms of combating terrorists, especially Boko Haram militants, it is critical for the Government to partner with Cameroonian born Diaspora for knowledge, expertise and networks to be developed to counter this deadly group.
A major concern has been the fact that those in neighbouring countries would take advantage of Cameroon’s dual citizenship laws and apply to become Cameroonians. A technical solution to this issue could be to place a moratorium on applications from a select group of countries for the first three years of an amendment allowing for dual citizenship.
Fourth; respecting experts for Cameroon’s Vision 2035 and development, it is advisable to use Cameroon’s embassies to engage Cameroonians living aboard on how they can contribute in meeting the Vision together. Forget the subsoil - the biggest natural resource is human. Many African countries have realised this.
Twenty African countries, including the fastest growing ones like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and even Nigeria, have embraced dual citizenship because they realise the gains.
Fifth; regarding patriotism, it is advised that initiatives such as community service (to be rendered Cameroonian embassies abroad) be considered. Each embassy could then tailor the programme to its own needs.
Finally, on concerns that the Diaspora could upend local politics, a clause or provision should be included in the amending bill making clear that to hold elected office, Cameroonians will need to show proof of residence in the country of at least three years within any five-year period preceding the elections in question.
Seizing the Future
In seizing the future, three immediate proposals are worth considering. First; the legislative branch should amend the law of 1968 to allow for dual nationality. Second; the President should create a Directorate General for Diaspora Affairs (DGDA) at the Presidency. The holder of this office will coordinate all activities related to Cameroon’s Diaspora. Third; it is time for Cameroon to issue Diaspora Bonds akin to what has been done in Israel and India to unleash untold development potential.
Having a strong and engaged Diaspora is critical. Having a distant and estranged Diaspora is a recipe for stagnancy. The nationality code was adopted in 1968 at a time when global interdependence in an internet age was inexistent. Since then, the world has changed. It is time for our Lawmakers and President to act, duly.
(N.B: The French version of this piece initially appeared in Libre Afrique on 18 January 2016).
