Former Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his Malagasy citizenship following his ouster in a military takeover just over a week ago.
The move comes as the country’s new prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, reportedly signed a decree enforcing a law that revokes citizenship from any Madagascan who holds another nationality. Rajoelina, who also possesses French citizenship, is directly affected by the ruling.
The 51-year-old former leader fled Madagascar after mass demonstrations demanding his resignation turned violent. His current location remains unknown, but reports say he left the country shortly after the protests intensified.
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“Rajoelina’s possession of French nationality had previously caused a debate about his eligibility to run for president in the 2023 polls,” local media disclosed. He ultimately won that election despite widespread controversy over his dual citizenship.
The protests that led to his downfall began as youth demonstrations over persistent water and power shortages but quickly spread nationwide, fueled by anger over unemployment and economic hardship. According to the United Nations, security forces’ crackdown on the unrest left 22 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Before the military takeover, Rajoelina released a video message from an undisclosed location, claiming he feared for his life. Days later, the army seized control, and Col. Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president.
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Madagascar has endured repeated cycles of instability since gaining independence from France in 1960, with several presidents, including Rajoelina himself, rising and falling through coups. Rajoelina first came to power in 2009 after leading the movement that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana.
