Madagascar’s new government has revoked the Malagasy nationality of ousted president Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published on Friday, 10 days after his removal in a military takeover.
The decree, published in the official gazette, stated that Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality was withdrawn because he had obtained French citizenship in 2014. Local media reported the development, sharing photographs of the document online.
French broadcaster RFI confirmed the decree with the entourage of the new prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order.
The decree cited existing laws which state that any Malagasy citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically loses their Malagasy citizenship.
Rajoelina’s French nationality became controversial when it was revealed before the November 2023 elections, nearly a decade after it was granted. The revelation prompted calls for his disqualification, but he still contested and won the disputed polls, which were boycotted by opposition parties.
The 51-year-old fled Madagascar after army Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced on October 11 that his CAPSAT unit would refuse orders to suppress the youth-led protest movement. Security forces had previously used force in attempts to quell the demonstrations.
Rajoelina later said he was in hiding for his safety but did not disclose his location.
Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14 and pledged to organise elections within two years.
(AFP)
