Khaberni - The new authorities in Madagascar have announced the revocation of citizenship from the former President Andry Rajoelina, in a step described as a devastating blow to his political career, following weeks of his removal from office due to youth-led public protests.
The reasons for the decision relate to Rajoelina possessing dual citizenship, as he acquired French citizenship through naturalization in 2014, which conflicts with Article 4 of Madagascar's nationality law, which states, "Any Malagasy citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality shall lose his original nationality."
Despite that, the former president avoided accountability for years after hiding his French identity, before recent developments following his removal on October 14 by parliamentary decision, due to a wave of protests led by what is known as "Generation Z."
With the loss of his citizenship, observers believe that Rajoelina's political future is nearly over, as he no longer possesses the legal legitimacy that would allow him to compete in any upcoming elections or return to the political scene.
Regional Implications
In a related context, the Financial Crimes Committee in Mauritius announced the arrest of Rajoelina's assistant, Maminiaina Ravatomanga, on charges related to money laundering.
Ravatomanga had previously fled to Mauritius amid the declining influence of the former president and growing domestic pressures on him.
These developments further complicate the political landscape in Madagascar, where internal crises intersect with regional pressures, as the streets of Madagascar await the course of the transitional phase and the future of governance in the country.
