Évariste Ngamana, identified as 'le grand sorcier de Carnot, le faux diplômé', has asserted that Anicet Georges Dologuélé must formally request reintegration into Central African nationality from President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Ngamana claimed that without such an application, Dologuélé would possess "aucune nationalité" and would be unable to continue his tenure in the National Assembly. This demand is challenged by Crépin Mboli-Goumba, who references a previous decision by the Constitutional Council. The central point of contention revolves around whether Dologuélé has legally forfeited his nationality, thereby necessitating a reintegration plea. Ngamana further specified that Dologuélé would have "aucune nationalité pour continuer à siéger à l’Assemblée nationale" if he failed to comply with the requirement to write to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. The core dispute is whether Dologuélé is legally in a situation of having lost his nationality and therefore must solicit reintegration.
Constitutional Council's Ruling
The Constitutional Council previously examined the question of Anicet Georges Dologuélé's nationality in the context of his candidacy for the 2025 presidential election. This judicial body rendered its decision, n°14/CC/25, on November 14, 2025. The Council noted in its ruling that no decree had formally established Dologuélé's loss of Central African nationality. This finding by the Constitutional Council is a key element in the ongoing debate surrounding Dologuélé's national status.
The Council considered that the loss of nationality by voluntary acquisition of a foreign nationality was not automatic in the specific circumstances it examined. This interpretation by the Constitutional Council suggests a nuanced approach to cases involving dual nationality or the acquisition of foreign citizenship. Consequently, the Council concluded that Dologuélé could not be subjected to reintegration formalities in the absence of a legal act confirming his loss of nationality. The request contesting Dologuélé's candidacy was ultimately rejected as unfounded by the Constitutional Council, affirming his eligibility based on his Central African nationality. This decision provided a clear precedent regarding Dologuélé's status at that time, asserting that he maintained his Central African nationality and was not required to undergo any reintegration process.
Legal Basis and Precedent
Article 147 of the Constitution of August 30, 2023, establishes that decisions made by the Constitutional Council are final and not subject to appeal. These decisions are legally binding on all public authorities, including other judicial bodies and government institutions. This constitutional provision underpins the authority of the Council's previous ruling regarding Anicet Georges Dologuélé's nationality, giving it significant legal weight. The finality and binding nature of these decisions are intended to ensure legal certainty and prevent endless challenges to constitutional matters.
The Central African Nationality Code outlines a process for the reintegration of nationality, stipulating that such reintegration can occur by decree following an official inquiry. This legal framework defines the procedures for regaining Central African nationality, distinct from the Constitutional Council's finding that Dologuélé did not lose his nationality. The Code specifies that an individual seeking to regain nationality would need to formally apply for it, and the process would involve a thorough investigation to determine eligibility. This provision of the Nationality Code is relevant for individuals who have unequivocally lost their Central African nationality and wish to reacquire it, but, according to the Constitutional Council, it did not apply to Dologuélé's situation. The existence of this code notes the formal mechanisms in place for nationality matters within the Central African Republic.
Conflicting Judicial Actions
The Tribunal de grande instance of Bangui annulled Anicet Georges Dologuélé's nationality certificate on October 16, 2025. The Tribunal based its decision on provisions within the Central African Nationality Code. This judicial action specifically cited the code's stipulations regarding the voluntary acquisition of foreign nationality as the basis for the annulment. The ruling from the Tribunal de grande instance of Bangui contrasts with the Constitutional Council's earlier determination, creating a significant legal discrepancy.
The Council, in its decision n°14/CC/25 issued on November 14, 2025, had concluded that Dologuélé could not be subjected to reintegration formalities, noting that no decree had formally established his loss of Central African nationality. The Constitutional Council also found that the loss of nationality by voluntary acquisition was not automatic in the circumstances it examined, a key point of divergence from the Tribunal's subsequent judgment. The Tribunal's subsequent annulment introduces a new legal dimension to the ongoing dispute over Dologuélé's national status, raising questions about the hierarchy and interpretation of judicial decisions within the Central African legal system. The conflicting rulings from these two different judicial bodies have complicated the legal landscape surrounding Anicet Georges Dologuélé's nationality, leaving his status in a state of uncertainty despite the Constitutional Council's earlier definitive pronouncement. This situation shows the complexity of nationality law and the challenges that can arise when different courts issue contradictory judgments on the same matter.
