Madagascar’s new military-led government has officially revoked the citizenship of ousted President Andry Rajoelina, deepening his political downfall just a week after his removal from power. The decree, signed by newly appointed Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, cites national laws stating that any Malagasy citizen who acquires foreign nationality automatically forfeits their Malagasy citizenship. Rajoelina, 51, secretly obtained French citizenship in 2014, a move that drew controversy when it surfaced before the 2023 presidential election. Despite calls for his disqualification, he pressed ahead and won re-election, arguing the French passport was solely to help his children studying abroad.
The former leader fled Madagascar last week following weeks of youth-led protests over crippling power cuts, water shortages, and economic stagnation. The demonstrations, organised by the Gen Z Mada movement and inspired by similar global youth uprisings, were met with violent crackdowns by security forces that left more than 20 people dead, according to the UN. Tensions reached a breaking point when Col. Michael Randrianirina, commander of the powerful CAPSAT military unit, led a coup and declared himself president. Rajoelina has since gone into hiding, reportedly for his safety, though his exact location remains unknown.
In his first address, Randrianirina promised a “new beginning” for Madagascar and pledged to restore civilian rule within two years. His administration has begun a sweeping reshuffle of senior government officials and launched investigations into alleged corruption under Rajoelina’s leadership. Rajoelina, who first rose to power through a 2009 coup before later being elected in 2018, leaves behind a legacy marked by economic reform and political turmoil. His downfall underscores Madagascar’s ongoing struggle with instability since gaining independence from France in 1960.
