Madagascar’s transitional government has revoked the Malagasy citizenship of former President Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published Friday, just ten days after his ouster in a military takeover.
The official gazette announced that Rajoelina’s nationality was withdrawn on the grounds that he had acquired French citizenship in 2014, a fact that, under Malagasy law, disqualifies him from holding dual nationality.
Local media outlets published images of the decree, which quickly circulated online.
The move effectively bars Rajoelina, who was impeached on October 14 after fleeing the country amid weeks of anti-government protests, from contesting in any future elections.
French broadcaster RFI reported that the decree’s authenticity was confirmed by officials close to the new prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order.
Rajoelina, a former disc jockey turned politician, has faced criticism over his handling of the country’s political and economic crises.
