Madagascar’s ousted president Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his citizenship by the new military-led government, citing his acquisition of French nationality a decade ago, which bars him from contesting future elections. This dramatic move comes just days after he was removed from power in a coup.
The decree, signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and published in the official gazette on Friday, revokes Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality based on the country’s nationality code that stipulates loss of citizenship upon voluntary acquisition of foreign nationality. This legal action was confirmed by multiple sources, including RFI, and effectively severs Rajoelina’s formal ties to the nation he once led. The decision underscores the new regime’s efforts to consolidate power and prevent any potential return of the former leader through electoral means.
Rajoelina, 51, was ousted on October 14 after weeks of protests over persistent power and water shortages in the African island nation. The demonstrations, initially organized by youth movement Gen Z Mada, escalated when security forces responded with violence, leading to a military takeover led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. These protests were inspired by similar anti-government movements elsewhere, reflecting broader discontent with governance and economic conditions. Rajoelina’s attempts to appease critics by sacking ministers and dissolving his government failed to quell the unrest, ultimately paving the way for the coup.
The citizenship issue dates back to 2014 when Rajoelina secretly obtained French citizenship, which became public months before the November 2023 presidential election. At the time, he justified it as a means to facilitate his children’s education in France, but it triggered calls for his disqualification. Despite this, he won the contested polls, which were boycotted by opposition parties, highlighting the polarized political landscape. The revelation of his dual nationality had already fueled doubts about his eligibility and commitment to Madagascar, making it a focal point in the recent turmoil.
Following the coup, Rajoelina fled Madagascar and has gone into hiding for his safety, with his whereabouts remaining unclear. The new government, led by Randrianirina who was sworn in on October 14, has pledged to hold elections within two years and has formed a new administration. Randrianirina, who rose from a prison sentence to the presidency, has thanked Gen Z protesters for their role in the change but faces the challenge of stabilizing a nation grappling with economic woes and political fragmentation.
In a related development, authorities in Mauritius have arrested Mamy Ravatomanga, one of Madagascar’s richest men and a close associate of Rajoelina, on money-laundering charges. Ravatomanga is accused of involvement in the transfer of Boeing aircraft to Iran in violation of US sanctions, facilitated by registration certificates from Madagascar’s Civil Aviation Authority. His arrest and the freezing of his assets signal a crackdown on figures linked to the ousted regime, adding to the political and legal repercussions of the coup.
The revocation of Rajoelina’s citizenship effectively prevents him from contesting any future elections in Madagascar, solidifying the new regime’s control and marking a significant step in the political transition. It also underscores the legal basis used by the new government to justify its actions, though critics may view it as a punitive measure. This move could have implications for Rajoelina’s ability to seek asylum or engage in international diplomacy, given his now-limited nationality status.
This series of events highlights the ongoing political instability in Madagascar, driven by economic grievances and youth-led movements demanding change. The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely watching the developments and the promised transition to democratic rule. As the new government navigates these challenges, the focus will be on whether it can address the underlying issues that sparked the protests and restore stability to the island nation.