Madagascar’s new administration has officially withdrawn the citizenship of former president Andry Rajoelina, just ten days after his removal from office in a military-led transition.
The decision, announced in a government decree published on Friday, follows his ouster amid growing protests and political unrest in the island nation. The development effectively ends Rajoelina’s eligibility to run for any future elections in Madagascar.
According to reports, the decree stated that Rajoelina had lost his Malagasy nationality after voluntarily acquiring French citizenship in 2014. The document, which was shared online and later verified by local media, explained that the law provides for automatic loss of nationality when a citizen adopts a foreign one. This revelation reignited debate about the former leader’s dual identity, an issue that had previously sparked controversy ahead of the 2023 presidential elections.
French broadcaster RFI confirmed the decision through officials close to Madagascar’s new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the decree. The prime minister’s office defended the action, insisting that it was a constitutional matter rather than a political retaliation. “The decree follows established law regarding nationality and public office,” an official source reportedly said, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail regardless of past status.
The controversy over Rajoelina’s nationality first gained attention when it was revealed during the 2023 elections that he held a French passport. Many opposition figures had accused him of violating the country’s sovereignty by secretly acquiring another nationality while in office. The disclosure led to widespread criticism and raised questions about his loyalty to Madagascar.
Rajoelina, aged 51, fled the country earlier this month after intense demonstrations calling for his resignation escalated across major cities. The protests were reportedly triggered by the violent response of security forces against youth-led movements demanding economic reforms and political transparency. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the CAPSAT military unit, refused orders to suppress the protests and instead declared a transitional authority.
Following his ouster, Randrianirina was sworn in as the new head of state on October 14, promising to restore stability and organize fresh elections within two years. Meanwhile, Rajoelina has remained out of public view, claiming he is in hiding for his safety. His current location remains unknown, but his loss of citizenship marks a new chapter in Madagascar’s shifting political landscape.
