Zambian Citizenship: Mukandila Affirms Descent, Questions NRC Cancellation

AM A ZAMBIAN, I WAS BORN IN DRC FROM A ZAMBIAN MOTHER AND A DRC FATHER” MUKANDILA LUSAKA Tonse Alliance Secretary General Celestin Mambula Mukandila has reaffirmed his Zambian citizenship, saying he was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a Zambian mother and a Congolese father. Mukandila says his mother was a Zambian citizen at the time of his birth and that he therefore acquired Zambian citizenship by descent. He argues that his birth in the Democratic Republic of Congo does not make him a foreigner, insisting that Zambia’s Constitution recognises citizenship by descent. Mukandila has also questioned the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of his National Registration Card and passport, arguing that he was a minor when he obtained his NRC and could not have independently determined or fabricated his nationality. He says that if authorities allege fraud in the acquisition of his national documents, they should produce evidence, identify the alleged fraudulent representation and follow the proper legal procedures. Current Zambia