Madagascar’s new government has stripped former President Andry Rajoelina, who was ousted in a coup last week, of his citizenship.
The order was signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo in an official decree on Friday, citing local laws.
Madagascar’s article 42 stipulates that a citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically loses their Malagasy citizenship.
Rajoelina acquired French nationality voluntarily by naturalisation in 2014.
The revelation of his dual Franco-Malagasy nationality had ignited debates during his 2023 presidential campaign, questioning his eligibility to lead the country.
Despite the controversy, the constitutional court validated his candidacy.
Weeks of youth-led protests over persistent power and water shortages tested Rajoelina’s last days in office.
Soldiers under CAPSAT, an elite army unit that supported Rajoelina during the 2009 coup that first brought him to power, later joined the protests, which demanded the president’s resignation.
Rajoelina later fled the African island nation to France after striking a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to reports.
In his absence, the constitutional court swore Michael Randrianirina, CAPSAT leader, in as the country’s president.
Randrianirina had said the military would rule for up to two years, alongside a transitional government, before new elections are organised, defying the law, which mandates polls to be held in 60 days.
