Ofure Akhigbe
Madagascar’s new government has stripped former president Andry Rajoelina of his citizenship, declaring that he violated national law by acquiring French nationality in 2014. The announcement on Friday comes weeks after Rajoelina fled the country following mass protests and a military coup.
The decision coincided with the arrest of Rajoelina’s former adviser, Maminiaina Ravatomanga, in Mauritius on suspicion of laundering more than $160 million through assets in the country.
According to a spokesperson for Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Ravatomanga was detained at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he had gone to seek treatment. The spokesperson, who requested anonymity, said the case involved the laundering of $163 million linked to property and business holdings in Mauritius.
“The FCC has reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Ravatomanga, while managing several entities in Mauritius, was in possession of property suspected to represent the proceeds of criminal activity,” the spokesperson said.
Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s arrest but declined to comment on the charges.
Rajoelina’s final weeks in office were marred by youth-led demonstrations over power and water shortages, the high cost of living, and corruption. The unrest culminated in a coup by an elite military unit, prompting the former leader to flee, claiming his life was in danger.
Coup leader Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president on 17 October and has pledged to organize elections within two years.
Rajoelina’s whereabouts remain unknown.