How is citizenship and identity related to conflict? CMI brought together key regional policy makers, technical experts, and civil society actors to answer this question.
The seminar titled “Civil Registration Processes in West Africa” focused on the importance of all citizens to be included in civil registration processes. The careful planning and implementation of such processes can serve to strengthen the relationship between the citizens and the state, foster participatory practices, and in turn, mitigate conflict.
Exclusion from citizenship key driver for conflict
What does this mean concretely? In many West African countries it is challenging to become a citizen of a country even if you have lived there your entire life. In the absence of birth registration or national identification cards, it may be very difficult for anyone to prove their identity. As some ethnic groups live on both sides of a national border, their members’ identity is based on their ethnicity rather than on national boundaries. In some countries, legal definitions of citizenship are so restrictive that it is impossible to obtain citizenship even based on life-time residence. Similarly, without proof of identity it is difficult for you to register for elections or claim your right to land.
In countries such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone whole groups of society are marginalized and de-facto excluded from being recognized as citizens or as a part of a society. Such exclusion is widely recognized as a key driver for conflict.
Sharing best practices from Sierra Leone
The seminar also provided a platform for sharing good practices and progress. The lessons shared by the Sierra Leone National Election Commission indicate that, with a successful roll-out, 2 million citizens are now registered for the upcoming elections. For many citizens, this election registration is the first ever proof of their identity.
All seminar participants agreed that in this war-torn region more inclusive societies are better equipped to prevent future conflict and they were able to generate strong recommendations for future work for the Mano River Union.
