What You Need to Know
Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s interim president, announced he does not intend to run in the upcoming presidential elections. He emphasized the need for the country to independently prosecute former president Andry Rajoelina, who fled abroad. Randrianirina also addressed the public’s right to seek justice for past crimes committed during Rajoelina’s presidency.
Africa. Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s interim president, stated that he currently has no intention of running for the presidency. He indicated that the country wishes to independently prosecute former president Andry Rajoelina, who has fled abroad.
Randrianirina, who took the oath of office on October 17, emphasized that “everything that happened in Madagascar stemmed from the president’s initiatives and orders, including the shootings.”
He continued that those crimes must be prosecuted, and the people of Madagascar have the right to demand justice.
Regarding his relations with France, Randrianirina noted that many were angered by the former president’s escape abroad with Paris’s assistance. However, he added that Andry Rajoelina’s swift departure “facilitated an improvement in the situation.”
In response to a question about the possibility of running for the presidential elections in two years, the coup leader confirmed, “Currently, I am not thinking about running.”
Dual Nationality
The new authorities in Madagascar revoked former president Andry Rajoelina’s nationality in October, a move described as a severe blow to his political career. The decision was based on Rajoelina’s dual nationality, as he acquired French citizenship through naturalization in 2014, which contradicts Article 4 of Madagascar’s nationality law stating that “any Malagasy citizen who voluntarily acquires foreign nationality loses their original nationality.”
Randrianirina previously stated to a local source following his assumption of power that what occurred in his country was not a coup but rather within legal frameworks and according to the constitution. He assured the public that the transitional period would be very short, lasting only two years, and pledged to pursue “corrupt individuals and thieves” and bring them to justice, expressing confidence in Madagascar’s recovery from its current situation.
Madagascar has experienced significant political turmoil, particularly following the ousting of former president Andry Rajoelina. His administration faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement, leading to widespread discontent. The transitional government, led by Michael Randrianirina, aims to restore stability and address the grievances of the Malagasy people while navigating complex international relations, especially with France, which has been accused of complicity in Rajoelina’s exit.
