Madagascar’s transitional government has revoked the citizenship of deposed President Andry Rajoelina, ten days after a military coup forced him from power.
According to reports, a decree published in the country’s official gazette on Friday stated that Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality was stripped because he had acquired French citizenship in 2014, which is a violation of national laws that forbid dual allegiance without official approval.
Local media shared images of the decree, which was signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo. French broadcaster RFI also confirmed the move through sources close to the new administration.
“The decree cited laws stipulating that a Malagasy who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality loses their Malagasy nationality,” the report noted.
Rajoelina’s French citizenship first sparked controversy ahead of the November 2023 elections, when revelations about his dual nationality led to demands for his disqualification. Despite the uproar and an opposition boycott, he went on to win the disputed polls.
The 51-year-old politician fled Madagascar earlier this month after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the CAPSAT military unit, refused to obey orders to crush a youth-led protest movement that security forces had violently repressed.
Rajoelina later claimed he went into hiding for his safety, without disclosing his location.
Following his ouster, Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14, promising to conduct elections within two years and restore civilian rule.
