Madagascar’s new government has officially revoked the Malagasy nationality of ousted president Andry Rajoelina, ten days after his removal in a military takeover. The decree, published in the government gazette on Friday, stated that Rajoelina lost his citizenship after voluntarily acquiring French nationality in 2014.
Signed by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, the order cited national laws that revoke Malagasy citizenship for individuals who obtain another nationality. The decision effectively prevents the 51-year-old former leader from running in future elections. French media confirmed the decree’s authenticity with officials close to Rajaonarivelo.
Rajoelina’s French citizenship, first revealed in 2023, sparked major controversy ahead of the presidential election. Despite calls for his disqualification, he won the contested polls that opposition parties largely boycotted.
Following weeks of youth-led protests against his rule, Rajoelina fled Madagascar earlier this month. The military, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, impeached him and installed the colonel as interim president, who pledged to hold new elections within two years. With the promise of elections within two years, Randrianirina took the oath of office as president on October 14.
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