Madagascar revokes citizenship of ex-President Andry Rajoelina

Madagascar’s new military-backed government has officially revoked the Malagasy citizenship of ousted president Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published on Friday – just 10 days after he was removed from power in a coup

The move effectively bars Rajoelina from contesting future elections. The decree, published in the country’s official gazette, stated that his citizenship was withdrawn because he had voluntarily obtained French nationality in 2014.

Under Malagasy law, anyone who acquires another nationality automatically loses their Malagasy citizenship.

French broadcaster RFI confirmed the decree with aides to the new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order.

Photos of the document have circulated widely online, sparking intense political debate across the island nation.

Rajoelina’s dual nationality had long been a source of controversy. It first came to light ahead of the November 2023 elections, nearly a decade after he became a French citizen.

Opposition groups had demanded his disqualification, but he was allowed to run and ultimately won a disputed election that his rivals boycotted.

The 51-year-old leader fled Madagascar earlier this month after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the army’s CAPSAT unit, announced that his troops would no longer follow orders to suppress ongoing youth-led protests.

Rajoelina later claimed he went into hiding for his safety.

Colonel Randrianirina has since been sworn in as transitional president and has pledged to hold new elections within two years, as Madagascar enters yet another turbulent political chapter.