In a dramatic turn of events, former Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his Malagasy citizenship following his ousting in a military coup just over a week ago. Rajoelina, who also holds French citizenship, fled the country amid widespread protests demanding his resignation. His current whereabouts remain unknown. The new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, has enacted a decree that revokes the citizenship of any Malagasy individual holding dual nationality, a move that directly impacts Rajoelina. This development follows intense scrutiny over Rajoelina’s eligibility to run in the 2023 presidential election, which he ultimately won. The protests, led predominantly by the youth, were initially sparked by chronic issues such as water and electricity shortages but quickly escalated to address broader grievances like poverty and unemployment. The unrest culminated in a violent crackdown by security forces, resulting in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations. Rajoelina, who expressed fears for his life, addressed the nation from an undisclosed location shortly before the military takeover. Colonel Michael Randrianirina has since been sworn in as the new president. Madagascar, which gained independence from France in 1960, has a tumultuous history of political instability, with Rajoelina himself first rising to power following a coup in 2009.
Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina stripped of citizenship after military takeover
