Madagascar’s new military-led government has officially stripped ousted president Andry Rajoelina of his citizenship, citing laws that prohibit dual nationality.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo in a decree on Friday, invokes a 1960 law introduced after the country’s independence from France, which automatically revokes Malagasy citizenship for anyone who becomes a citizen of another country.
Rajoelina, who was removed from power earlier this month, has long faced criticism for acquiring French citizenship in 2014 — a controversy that dogged him during the 2023 election campaign.
His opponents tried to disqualify him over the issue, but the constitutional court ruled in his favour, allowing him to run and win amid violent protests. Following his recent ousting, Rajoelina fled Madagascar citing threats to his safety after demonstrations over power and water shortages turned deadly, leaving at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina has since been sworn in as transitional leader, marking another chapter in the island nation’s history of political instability.
I believe that International Law prohibits this as per the Nuremburg Trials…