Madagascar Strips Ousted President Rajoelina of Citizenship

Madagascar’s new government has revoked the citizenship of ousted President Andry Rajoelina, according to media reports, just 10 days after he was removed from power in a military takeover.

A decree published in the country’s official gazette on Friday stated that Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality was withdrawn because he had acquired French citizenship in 2014.

The decision, confirmed by French broadcaster RFI through the entourage of the new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, was made in accordance with laws stipulating that any Malagasy who voluntarily obtains another nationality automatically loses their own.

The decree effectively bars Rajoelina, who was impeached on October 14 after fleeing the country amid weeks of anti-government protests, from contesting future elections.

Rajoelina’s dual nationality first sparked controversy ahead of the November 2023 elections, nearly a decade after his French citizenship was revealed.

The revelation led to calls for his disqualification, but he ultimately won the disputed polls, which were boycotted by opposition parties.

The 51-year-old fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the CAPSAT army unit, announced on October 11 that his troops would not obey orders to suppress youth-led demonstrations that security forces had attempted to quell violently.

Rajoelina later said he went into hiding for his safety but did not disclose his location. Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14, promising to hold elections within two years.