After too many years of debate, it appears that Liberia 🇱🇷 will join the various rational African countries & recognize dual citizenship.
And so, after decades of prohibition, the Senate and the House of Representatives have now moved to recognize the holistic potential of the Liberian diaspora and the advantage of granting them the opportunity to hold dual citizenship — albeit with some restrictions to protect the rights of those who do not subscribe to dual citizenship.
The restrictions, according to the lawmakers, strike a compromise between supporting the ambitions of Liberians abroad and resolving the worries of those at home, and it would help reduce popular resentment against dual citizenship stemming from socioeconomic inequities in Liberia. As a result of this balancing, would-be dual citizens are barred from holding crucial posts affecting national security, law enforcement, and the economy, as is the case in many African nations with comparable legislation.
Liberian Observer
The soon-to-be law in Liberia 🇱🇷 is very similar to Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 in which dual citizens are barred from positions of power while retaining the advantage of being a citizen elsewhere. Thus far, this law only applies to former citizens, as well as children of Liberian citizens abroad.
Hopefully, Liberia 🇱🇷 will consider mimicking what Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 is doing & expand the law to include those who are related to present-day tribes within the country. Yours truly was able to obtain citizenship in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 based upon a DNA 🧬 test by African Ancestry (results here), & it would be extraordinary if Liberia 🇱🇷 included Diaspora stolen away centuries ago.
Image Credit: Darwinek, Discovered via: Liberia Positives
