An increasing number of Togolese people living abroad are acquiring the citizenship of their host country while maintaining a strong connection to Togo. The central question is whether dual citizenship is an opportunity for Togo, or whether it constitutes an obstacle to the harmonious reintegration of the diaspora. This issue raises profound legal, political and social questions.

Although Togolese law formally prohibits dual citizenship, particularly for children born to bi-national parents or foreign spouses, practical exceptions do exist. This is set out in Ordinance No. 78-34 of 7 September, 1978 and the Nationality Code. In practice, however, the State does not always enforce these rules, thus creating a legal grey area.

In theory, a Togolese citizen who voluntarily acquires another nationality loses their Togolese nationality unless expressly authorised by the Council of Ministers. In practice, however, the government tolerates dual citizenship for individuals born with it or foreign spouses, although this is never formally recognised.

Political stakes: full participation in citizenship

The right to vote from abroad, which was recently introduced, remains relatively unknown: only  348 Togolese were able to vote from abroad during the 2020 election. Despite intentions to promote political inclusion, bi-national citizens often encounter burdensome procedures, suspicions of dual loyalty and implicit refusal of recognition.

Economic opportunities or legal obstacles?

The diaspora represents significant economic potential. However, citizens with dual nationalities may be restricted from accessing regulated sectors such as land ownership, real estate and public service. The requirement to comply with local law also prevents some from investing fully.

Paradoxically, since 2014, Togolese citizens who have ‘lost their Togolese citizenship’ have benefited from visa exemption on arrival, signalling a willingness to open up despite the fact that the legal texts are unclear.

Reintegration: between illusion and disappointment

Returning to one’s home country can be fraught with disappointment, including difficult integration, being viewed as a ‘foreigner’ and the loss of social ties. Successful reintegration depends on concrete support measures, but these remain limited.

Tools deployed for the diaspora

Togo has implemented several initiatives:

• a Conseil des Togolais de l’étranger (Council of Togolese Abroad),
  
• a Fonds d’investissement pour la diaspora (FITEX) or Diaspora Investment Fund,
  
• a Portail numérique d’information (Digital Information Portal), and
  
• visa exemption for people with dual citizenship.
  

These efforts aim to boost engagement with the diaspora, however, they are hindered by a persistent legal void.

Dual citizenship could present a unique opportunity for Togo, offering economic benefits, cultural enrichment and a vital connection with the diaspora. However, in order to realise these benefits, the relevant laws must be clarified and the procedures simplified.. It can be added that the complete reintegration of numerous diaspora Togolese citizens depends on changing the political and social perception of dual citizenship .