Madagascar’s transitional government has stripped former president Andry Rajoelina of his Malagasy citizenship, according to a decree published Friday, ten days after he was ousted in a military takeover.
The decree prevents Rajoelina from participating in future elections. It cites the fact that he acquired French nationality in 2014, which under Malagasy law automatically results in the loss of Malagasy citizenship. The order was signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, and photos of the official document circulated widely in local media.
Rajoelina, 51, had already faced controversy over his dual nationality, which became public ahead of the November 2023 elections. Despite calls from opposition parties to bar him from running, he won the disputed polls that were boycotted by his rivals.
Earlier this month, Rajoelina fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the army’s CAPSAT unit, refused orders to suppress ongoing youth-led protests. He later stated that he was in hiding for his own safety.
Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president on October 14 and has promised to hold new elections within two years, as Madagascar navigates a fresh political crisis.
