Madagascar’s new government has stripped ousted President Andry Rajoelina of his Malagasy nationality in a decree published on Friday, 10 days after he was removed in military takeover.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Herinstsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the decree published in the country’s official gazette.
The decree means that Rajoelina – who was impeached on October 14, after fleeing the island nation in the wake of weeks of protests -would not be able to contest future elections.
The decree cited laws stipulating that a Malagasy who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality loses their Malagasy nationality.
Rajoelina acquired French citizenship in 2014, a move previously defended as necessary to facilitate his children’s education abroad.
Rajoelina’s French nationality caused a scandal when it was revealed ahead of the November 2023 elections, nearly 10 years after it was granted.
It triggered calls for him to be disqualified but he went on to win the contested polls, which were boycotted by opposition parties.
Under Madagascar’s nationality code, any citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically forfeits their Malagasy citizenship.
The revocation also bars Rajoelina from contesting future elections.
The 51-year-old politician fled Madagascar after army Colonel Michael Randrianirina said on October 11 his CAPSAT unit would refuse orders to put down the youth-led protest movement, which security sources had attempted to suppress with violence.
However Rajoelina said later he was hiding for his safety, but did not reveal the actual location.
Randrianirina was sworn in as President on October 14, 2025, pledging elections within two years.
-9News Nigeria.
