Madagascar’s transitional government has formally revoked the citizenship of ousted President Andry Rajoelina, citing his acquisition of French nationality over a decade ago.
The decision, announced in a decree published on Friday, comes just ten days after the 51-year-old leader was removed from office in a military takeover that followed weeks of anti-government protests.
According to reports from local media and international outlets, the decree — signed by the new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo — declares that Rajoelina no longer holds Malagasy nationality. It references existing laws which state that citizens who voluntarily adopt another nationality automatically lose their Malagasy status.
Rajoelina’s dual citizenship first drew public attention ahead of the disputed November 2023 presidential election, sparking demands for his disqualification. Despite the controversy, he proceeded to win the vote, which opposition parties largely boycotted.
Tensions escalated earlier this month when a military unit led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina refused orders to suppress ongoing demonstrations. The standoff culminated in a coup on October 14, with Randrianirina assuming leadership and pledging to organize new elections within two years.
Rajoelina, who fled the country shortly before the military’s intervention, has since stated that he went into hiding for security reasons, though his current location remains unknown.
The revocation of his nationality effectively bars him from contesting future elections, marking another chapter in the island nation’s turbulent political history.
