ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – In a decisive move with significant political ramifications, Madagascar’s new government has revoked the Malagasy citizenship of former President Andry Rajoelina. The action, announced by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, effectively bars the former leader from contesting future presidential elections.
The decision, formalized by a decree signed by the Prime Minister and published in the nation’s official gazette, cites the country’s strict nationality laws. According to Madagascar’s nationality code, any citizen who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship automatically loses their Malagasy status.
The controversy stems from Rajoelina’s acquisition of French citizenship in 2014. At the time, the former president defended the move as a practical necessity to facilitate his children’s education abroad, rather than a renunciation of his Malagasy identity.
However, the current administration has enforced the letter of the law. “The law is clear, and it applies to everyone equally,” a government spokesman stated, underscoring the legal basis for the revocation.
The enforcement of this law now presents a major obstacle to Rajoelina’s political future. By losing his citizenship, he is constitutionally ineligible to run for the presidency again, a development that could dramatically reshape the country’s political landscape.
The move underscores the ongoing political tensions in Madagascar following the installation of the new government and signals a firm stance on the issue of dual nationality among the nation’s highest-ranking officials. There has been no immediate public response from Mr. Rajoelina regarding the decree.
About The Author
