Ousted Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his citizenship by the new regime.
According to the BBC, the directive was signed by newly appointed Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo.
The Prime Minister cited local laws stipulating that individuals who hold foreign citizenship automatically lose their Malagasy nationality.
The former President acquired French citizenship a decade ago. When the matter became public, it sparked calls for his disqualification from the 2023 presidential election, though he went on to win the poll.
Rajoelina fled Madagascar after weeks of Gen Z-led protests over persistent power and water shortages, which eventually culminated in a military takeover led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina.
While Rajoelina’s whereabouts remain unknown, reports suggest he fled to France following a deal with President Emmanuel Macron. He later said he left the country in fear for his life after a military rebellion but did not announce his resignation in a video address shared on social media.
“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” Rajoelina said.
The Malagasy army seized control of the country after parliament voted to remove Rajoelina from office.
Before his ouster, Rajoelina had attempted to dissolve parliament by decree from an undisclosed location. However, lawmakers declared the move invalid and proceeded with the vote that ultimately ended his rule.
Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president just days after the military takeover in the Indian Ocean nation. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, and drew a large crowd, including many who had taken part in the anti-government demonstrations.
