Madagascar's New Government Strips Former President Rajoelina of Citizenship

Strategic Insights -

Madagascar's newly formed government has revoked the citizenship of former President Andry Rajoelina, who was ousted in a coup last week, citing local laws. The decision was made by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo in an official decree on Friday. Rajoelina's dual Franco-Malagasy nationality had been a subject of controversy during his 2023 presidential campaign, with many questioning his eligibility to lead the country. Despite the controversy, the constitutional court had validated his candidacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new government of Madagascar has stripped former President Andry Rajoelina of his citizenship, citing local laws.
  • Rajoelina had acquired French nationality by naturalisation in 2014, which led to him automatically losing his Malagasy citizenship according to Article 42 of the country's laws.
  • Rajoelina's dual nationality had been a subject of debate during his 2023 presidential campaign, with many questioning his eligibility to lead the country.
  • Despite the controversy, the constitutional court had validated Rajoelina's candidacy.
  • Rajoelina was ousted in a coup last week, and in his absence, CAPSAT leader Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as the country's new president.
  • The constitutional court had mandated that new elections be held in 60 days, but Randrianirina stated that the military would rule for up to two years, alongside a transitional government, before new elections are organised.

Statistics:

  • Rajoelina acquired French nationality by naturalisation in 2014.
  • The constitution of Madagascar mandates that new elections be held in 60 days after a change in government.
  • The CAPSAT unit, led by Michael Randrianirina, had supported Rajoelina during his 2009 coup to power.

Sources:

  • (No explicit date) ["Madagascar's ex-president Rajoelina loses citizenship", BBC News]
  • (No explicit date) ["Madagascar: Former President Rajoelina 'Stripped of Citizenship'", VOA News]
  • [original news report cited in the text]