Madagascar's New Government Strips Ousted President Andry Rajoelina of Nationality

Strategic Insights -

Madagascar's recent military coup has led to significant changes in the country's leadership, with ousted President Andry Rajoelina being stripped of his Malagasy nationality. This decision, confirmed by French broadcaster RFI through a conversation with the entourage of Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, was made public just 10 days after Rajoelina was impeached and fled the island nation. The move targets Rajoelina's eligibility to participate in future elections, given the laws stating that a Malagasy citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality loses their Malagasy nationality. Rajoelina's French nationality has been a point of controversy since its reveal before the November 2023 elections, nearly 10 years after its grant, leading to demands for his disqualification.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Malagasy government has revoked Andry Rajoelina's nationality due to his voluntary acquisition of French nationality in 2014, as cited in the official gazette.
  • This move restricts Rajoelina's potential to participate in future elections in Madagascar.
  • Rajoelina was impeached on October 14, and the decision to strip him of nationality was made public 10 days later.
  • Rajoelina's French nationality was a point of controversy in the November 2023 elections, triggering calls for him to be disqualified.
  • The 51-year-old politician fled Madagascar after the military coup, stating he was in hiding for safety reasons.
  • Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14, promising elections within two years.
  • Rajoelina's loss of nationality is based on laws stipulating that a Malagasy citizen loses their nationality upon acquiring foreign citizenship.

Statistics:

  • Rajoelina was feigned in 10 days after the military coup for losing his nationality.

Sources:

  • "Madagascar's new government strips ousted president Andry Rajoelina of his nationality", RFI, unmentioned date
  • "Madagascar's government strips ex-President Andry Rajoelina of nationality", IPS, unmentioned date