Madagascar revokes ousted president's nationality
Africa
By
AFP
| Oct 25, 2025
Ousted Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina speaks during a joint press conference with unseen France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) at the Presidential Palace in Antananarivo on April 23, 2025. [AFP]
Madagascar's new government has stripped ousted president Andry Rajoelina of his Malagasy nationality in a decree published Friday, media reports said, 10 days after he was removed in a military takeover.
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The decree published in the official gazette said Rajoelina's Malagasy nationality was revoked because he had acquired French nationality in 2014, local media reported, as photographs of the document were shared online.
French broadcaster RFI said it had confirmed the decree with the entourage of the new prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order.
READ MORE
Why Gen Zs are not sending money to parents
The true impact of Iran-US war on the Kenyan economy
KPA steps up plans for expansion of Kisumu Port
Infrastructure, trust key to cities success as Nairobi, Rome stagnate
HF Group posts 40pc jump in full-year net profit to Sh1.4 billion
How personalised developments are reshaping local property market
Government tightens oversight on Saccos to safeguard members' deposits
KRA targets 5 million tax filers with WhatsApp option
The decree cited laws stipulating that a Malagasy who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality loses their Malagasy nationality.
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.
The 51-year-old politician fled Madagascar after army Colonel Michael Randrianirina said on October 11 that his CAPSAT unit would refuse orders to put down the youth-led protest movement, which security forces had attempted to suppress with violence.
Rajoelina said later he was in hiding for his safety, but did not say where.
Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14, pledging elections within two years.