What You Need to Know
Authorities in Madagascar have arrested former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana as part of an investigation into recent protest violence. The arrest occurred at his home in Antananarivo after he failed to respond to summons from law enforcement. Ravalomanana faces serious charges related to his alleged role in inciting violence during protests that resulted in multiple fatalities.
Africa. Madagascar has announced the arrest of former Senate President Richard Ravalomanana as part of investigations related to the recent suppression of protests in the country.
Judicial sources reported that the arrest took place at his home in the capital, Antananarivo, after he had refused to comply with summons from law enforcement in recent days.
The Attorney General at the Antananarivo Court of Appeal, Didier Alban Razafindralambo, stated in comments to local media that Ravalomanana is suspected of leading “acts of violence against the population,” noting that investigations are focusing on his role during the protests that occurred in September and October.
The judicial source explained that the former Senate President may face serious charges, including undermining state security, inciting hatred, and complicity in murder and intentional harm.
According to United Nations data, the protests resulted in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, culminating in the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina by a group of soldiers on October 14.
Ravalomanana is considered one of the prominent figures of the previous regime and has become a target of protesters who view him as a symbol of an authoritarian power disconnected from the concerns of the public.
Three days before his arrest, the Constitutional Court decided to remove him from the Senate due to his absence from all sessions discussing the 2026 budget.
Madagascar has a history of political unrest, often marked by protests against government actions. The recent protests, which led to the arrest of Ravalomanana, were sparked by public discontent over governance and economic issues. In October, these protests escalated, resulting in violence and the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina by military forces, highlighting the fragility of Madagascar’s political landscape.
