DRC: the mayors and the burgomasters banned from issuing the certificates of nationality

Kinshasa, May 4 ^th, 2025 (CPA) – the City mayors, the burgomasters of municipalities and other politico-administrative authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been banned from issuing attestations in lieu of certificates of nationality, which fall “exclusively” within the remit of the Minister in charge of Justice, according to a press release received on Saturday by CPA. “It is strictly forbidden for mayors, burgomasters, territorial administrators and any other administrative or political authority to issue attestations of nationality or certificates in lieu of certificates of nationality, on pain of prosecution”, it is read in this circular signed by Constant Mutamba, Minister in charge of Justice. “The establishment and issuance of certificates of nationality, proof of Congolese nationality, is the exclusive responsibility of the Minister in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals,” has added the source. In accordance with the provisions of law no. 04/024 of November 12^th, 2004 on Congolese nationality, especially articles 42 and 47, the establishment and issue of certificates of Congolese nationality falls within the exclusive remit of the Minister in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals.