Madagascar’s transitional government has officially revoked the Malagasy nationality of ousted president Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published on Friday, October 25 — just ten days after he was removed from power in a military coup.
The decree, published in the country’s official gazette and confirmed by several local media outlets, stated that Rajoelina lost his citizenship because he voluntarily acquired French nationality in 2014. Under Malagasy law, any citizen who obtains another nationality automatically forfeits their Malagasy citizenship.
French broadcaster RFI reported that the decree was verified by the office of the new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order. Images of the document quickly spread across social media after its release.
The revocation effectively disqualifies Rajoelina, 51, from contesting future elections. His removal followed a parliamentary impeachment on October 14, days after he fled the country amid widespread anti-government protests.
Controversy over Rajoelina’s dual nationality first emerged in 2023, shortly before the presidential elections, when it was revealed that he had secretly obtained French citizenship nearly a decade earlier. Opposition parties argued that this made him ineligible to run for office, but he nevertheless contested and won the disputed vote, which many opposition candidates boycotted.
Rajoelina fled Madagascar earlier this month after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT army unit, announced on October 11 that his troops would no longer enforce orders to suppress youth-led demonstrations.
Following Rajoelina’s departure, Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president on October 14, vowing to restore order and organize elections within two years.
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Source:Africa Publicity
