Former Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, ousted in a coup last week, has been stripped of his citizenship by the new regime.
The order, signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, cited local laws stipulating that people who acquired foreign citizenship should lose their Malagasy nationality.
Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship a decade ago. His dual nationality had previously raised calls for disqualification from the 2023 presidential elections, which he won despite controversy.
Following weeks of protests over persistent power and water shortages, Rajoelina fled Madagascar after a military takeover led by Col Michael Randrianirina.
In hiding since his removal, Rajoelina's location remains unknown. He had previously argued that his French citizenship was for the benefit of his children studying abroad, contradicting the subsequent backlash against his leadership.
Protests were initially organized by the youth movement Gen Z Mada, driven by a desire for democratic reforms and in response to violence from the government. Calls for Rajoelina's resignation mounted as conditions in the country deteriorated.
Despite attempts to appease protesters by reshuffling his cabinet, including the dismissal of his energy minister, Rajoelina's refusal to resign ultimately led to a swift military coup.
The new military government has pledged to conduct elections within two years, marking a significant shift in Madagascar's political landscape.
