Madagascar strips ex-president Rajoelina of citizenship as former aid arrested for money laundering
It has been officially announced that Andry Rajoelina, the former president of Madagascar, has been stripped of his nationality. This decision follows his departure from the country earlier this month amid significant protests led by the youth.
It has been officially announced that Andry Rajoelina, the former president of Madagascar, has been stripped of his nationality. This decision follows his departure from the country earlier this month amid significant protests led by the youth.
In related legal developments, Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a former advisor to Rajoelina and businessman, has been detained in Mauritius. He is suspected of laundering over $160 million using assets located in the country.
Ravatomanga, who left Madagascar for Mauritius following Rajoelina's departure, is currently under the custody of the police and the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he sought medical treatment. A spokesperson from the FCC confirmed the arrest, stating it is connected to the laundering of $163 million through Mauritian assets.
The spokesperson indicated that there are reasonable grounds to suspect Ravatomanga's involvement in the management of multiple entities that may possess property representing the proceeds of criminal activities.
It has been officially announced that Andry Rajoelina, the former president of Madagascar, has been stripped of his nationality.
Ravatomanga's legal representative, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client's arrest but refrained from commenting on the charges.
During the final weeks of Rajoelina's presidency, the nation witnessed widespread demonstrations addressing power and water shortages, inflation, and corruption. These protests culminated in a coup by an elite military unit, prompting Rajoelina to flee, citing threats to his life.
On Fri, Oct 20, 2023, Madagascar's new government announced the revocation of Rajoelina's citizenship, citing his acquisition of French nationality in 2014, which contravenes Madagascar's legal framework.
The coup leader, Michael Randrianirina, assumed office on Tue, Oct 17, 2023, and has committed to organizing elections within the next two years. The current location of Rajoelina remains undisclosed.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
