Madagascar Revokes Former President Rajoelina’s Citizenship Following Ouster
Madagascar’s military-led government has officially revoked the nationality of former President Andry Rajoelina, days after his removal from office.
The decree, issued on October 24, 2025, cites Rajoelina’s voluntary acquisition of French citizenship in 2014 as the legal basis for the action.
Rajoelina, who was impeached on October 14, fled the country amid widespread protests that gripped Madagascar.
The demonstrations, led mainly by youth groups, were fueled by public discontent over poverty, power shortages, and corruption.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military commander who orchestrated the intervention, assumed control of the government following Rajoelina’s ouster.
The takeover included the suspension of the constitution and key state institutions, drawing condemnation from regional and international observers.
The revocation of Rajoelina’s Malagasy citizenship effectively bars him from participating in future elections in the country. He currently holds only French citizenship.
The move marks a significant step in consolidating the authority of the new military-led administration, while raising questions about Madagascar’s political stability and the country’s path back to civilian governance.
