Former Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his Malagasy citizenship following his ouster in a military takeover on October 19, 2025. The decree, signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, invokes laws that revoke citizenship for Malagasy individuals holding dual nationality. Rajoelina, who also holds French citizenship, fled the country amid widespread protests demanding his resignation, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
The 51-year-old’s French nationality had previously sparked controversy during the 2023 presidential election, which he won, raising questions about his eligibility. The recent unrest, initially fueled by chronic water and electricity shortages, escalated into broader frustration over poverty and unemployment. Youth-led protests across multiple cities faced a violent crackdown, resulting in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations, before culminating in the military’s seizure of power, with Col. Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president.
Rajoelina, addressing the nation from an undisclosed location before the coup, claimed he feared for his life. This marks another chapter in Madagascar’s turbulent political history, which has seen multiple leaders ousted by coups since independence from France in 1960. Rajoelina himself rose to prominence after leading a transitional government following a 2009 coup that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana into exile.
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The revocation of Rajoelina’s citizenship underscores the new regime’s intent to distance itself from his legacy. The move has intensified debates about dual citizenship laws and their political implications in Madagascar, where governance challenges and public discontent continue to drive instability. The country now faces uncertainty as the military leadership consolidates power amid ongoing socio-economic grievances.
As Madagascar navigates this latest crisis, the international community watches closely, with concerns about further violence and the nation’s path toward stability. The loss of Rajoelina’s citizenship not only alters his personal status but also signals a broader shift in the country’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of governance in the island nation.
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