Madagascar revokes Andry Rajoelina’s nationality
The government of Madagascar has formally revoked the Malagasy nationality of former President Andry Rajoelina. The decision was published as a decree in the country’s official gazette on 25 October 2025.
According to the decree, Rajoelina’s citizenship was rescinded because of his acquisition of French nationality in 2014. Under Madagascar’s nationality code, a Malagasy citizen who voluntarily obtains a foreign nationality can lose Malagasy nationality. The government says this legal provision justified the move.
The move comes about ten days after Rajoelina was removed from power following mass protests and a military takeover. He was impeached on 14 October after fleeing the country amid escalating demonstrations and a revolt by parts of the security forces.
By losing his Malagasy nationality, Rajoelina is thereby barred from contesting future elections, according to the new government. The decree explicitly cites that his eligibility to stand for national office is nullified.
The transitional authority, led by Michael Randrianirina who assumed leadership following the coup, has framed the nationality revocation as part of its broader repositioning of the state and its institutions. There remain significant questions about legality, due process and international reactions.
