Why Madagascar’s former President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his citizenship

Here’s what happened — and what it means for the island nation:

Weeks of mounting frustration over power cuts, water shortages, rising living costs, and corruption brought thousands of protesters onto the streets across Madagascar. The demonstrations, largely driven by young people, intensified pressure on Rajoelina’s government.

As unrest spread, an elite military unit launched a coup, claiming to be acting in response to public demands. Facing escalating threats, Rajoelina fled the country, later saying he feared for his life.

Why was Rajoelina stripped of citizenship?

On Friday, Madagascar’s new authorities announced that Rajoelina had been formally stripped of his Malagasy nationality after it emerged he had acquired French citizenship in 2014 — a move that violates the country’s nationality laws, which forbid dual citizenship for sitting presidents.

Officials argued that by obtaining French nationality, Rajoelina had automatically forfeited his Malagasy citizenship, rendering his presidency constitutionally invalid.

Who is leading the country now?

Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who led the coup, was sworn in as head of state on 17 October. He has promised to organise elections within two years and restore civilian rule. However, his government faces scepticism both at home and abroad over its legitimacy and the timeline for a return to democracy.

What’s the link to the money-laundering case in Mauritius?

The crisis took another turn when Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a prominent businessman and close ally of Rajoelina, was arrested in Mauritius. He is accused of laundering more than $160 million through assets in the country.

According to a spokesperson for Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Ravatomanga was detained at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he had gone for treatment. The FCC said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” he had managed several entities involved in handling proceeds from criminal activities.

Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s arrest but declined to comment on the allegations.

The former president’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has sought asylum abroad. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s transitional government faces the challenge of stabilising a nation once again plunged into political uncertainty.