Madagascar’s transitional government has officially revoked the Malagasy nationality of ousted president Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published on Friday, October 25, just ten days after his removal in a military coup.
The decree, published in the country’s official gazette and confirmed by multiple local media outlets, stated that Rajoelina’s citizenship was withdrawn because he had voluntarily obtained French nationality in 2014. Under Malagasy law, any citizen who acquires another nationality automatically loses their Malagasy citizenship.
According to French broadcaster RFI, the decree was verified by the office of the new prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order. Photographs of the document circulated widely online shortly after its publication.
The move effectively disqualifies Rajoelina, 51, from contesting future elections. He had been impeached by parliament on October 14 after fleeing the country amid widespread protests against his government.
Rajoelina’s dual nationality had previously sparked major controversy in 2023, when it came to light ahead of the November presidential election—nearly a decade after he became a French citizen. Opposition groups claimed his foreign nationality made him ineligible to hold office, but he nonetheless ran and won the disputed, opposition-boycotted vote.
The former leader fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT army unit, announced on October 11 that his troops would no longer follow orders to suppress the youth-led protest movement, which security forces had earlier tried to crush violently.
Following his departure, Rajoelina said he had gone into hiding for safety reasons but did not reveal his location.
On October 14, Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president, pledging to restore order and organize elections within two years.
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