Madagascar’s new government has officially revoked the Malagasy citizenship of ousted president Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published on Friday, October 25—just ten days after his removal from office in a military takeover.
The decree, published in the country’s official gazette and confirmed by multiple local media outlets, stated that Rajoelina lost his citizenship because he voluntarily obtained French nationality in 2014. Under Malagasy law, citizens who acquire another nationality automatically forfeit 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. Images of the document quickly spread across social media following its publication.
The move effectively disqualifies the 51-year-old former leader from contesting future elections. Rajoelina was impeached by parliament on October 14 after fleeing the country amid weeks of protests against his administration.
His dual nationality had been a source of political controversy since 2023, when it was revealed ahead of the November presidential election—nearly a decade after he became a French citizen. Opposition figures argued that his foreign nationality made him ineligible for office, but Rajoelina went on to contest and win the disputed vote, which much of the opposition boycotted.
The former president fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT army unit, announced on October 11 that his troops would no longer carry out orders to suppress the youth-led demonstrations, which had been met with violent crackdowns by security forces.
Rajoelina later claimed he went into hiding for his safety, without revealing his location.
On October 14, Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president, vowing to restore stability and organize elections within two years.
