Former Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his citizenship after fleeing the country earlier this month, following weeks of youth-led protests and a military takeover.
The decree, signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, cites national law stating that any Malagasy who acquires foreign citizenship loses their local nationality. Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship in 2014.
This earlier move had sparked calls for his disqualification from the 2023 presidential election, though he ultimately won.
Rajoelina left Madagascar as demonstrations over power and water shortages, rising living costs, and corruption escalated. The protests, initially organised by the youth movement Gen Z Mada and inspired by global anti-government movements, intensified after violent government crackdowns.
Related Stories
Despite dismissing his energy minister and eventually his entire cabinet, Rajoelina refused to step down, prompting an elite military unit led by Col. Michael Randrianirina to seize power. Rajoelina is now in hiding, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Meanwhile, Rajoelina’s former advisor, businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, was arrested in Mauritius on suspicion of laundering over US$160 million through local assets. He was taken into custody while receiving treatment at a private clinic in Port Louis.
The Financial Crimes Commission stated it had “reasonable grounds to believe” Ravatomanga held property suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity. His lawyer confirmed the arrest but did not comment on the allegations.
Col. Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader on 17 October, forming a government that has pledged to hold elections within the next two years.
Leave Comments