A Black Republic: Citizenship and naturalisation requirements in Liberia Cover Image

A Black Republic: Citizenship and naturalisation requirements in Liberia
A Black Republic: Citizenship and naturalisation requirements in Liberia

Author(s): Bernadette Ludwig
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Government/Political systems, Migration Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Liberia; race; citizenship; Lebanese; national identity;

Summary/Abstract: In 1822 Liberia was founded as a place where free(d) enslaved African Americans could find freedom and liberty. While many of them did, the indigenous African population was, for a long time, excluded from citizenry despite fulfilling one of the essential criteria to be eligible for Liberians citizenship: Being Black. This prerequisite remains part of Liberian law today, rendering non-Blacks ineligible for Liberian citizenship. Today, this mostly affects the Lebanese community who originally came as traders and entrepreneurs to Liberia. This article analyses why Liberians defend race-based exclusionary citizenship practices.

  • Issue Year: 13/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 84-99
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English