Madagascar’s former president, Andry Rajoelina, has been stripped of his citizenship after fleeing the country earlier this month amid mass protests and a military takeover.
The announcement came as his former advisor and close ally, businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, was arrested in Mauritius on suspicion of laundering more than $160 million through assets in the country.
Ravatomanga, who reportedly escaped to Mauritius following Rajoelina’s departure, was apprehended by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) while receiving medical treatment at a private clinic in Port Louis.
An FCC spokesperson confirmed the arrest, saying investigators had “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Ravatomanga, while managing multiple entities in Mauritius, possessed assets suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity.”
The alleged laundering involves approximately $163 million.
Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s detention but declined to comment on the allegations.
Rajoelina’s fall from power followed weeks of youth-led demonstrations over soaring living costs, power and water shortages, and allegations of widespread corruption.
The unrest escalated when an elite military unit staged a coup, forcing Rajoelina to flee the country, claiming his life was in danger.
On Friday, Madagascar’s new authorities announced that Rajoelina had been formally stripped of his citizenship, citing his acquisition of French nationality in 2014 as a move that violates the country’s dual citizenship laws.
Coup leader Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president on October 17 and has pledged to organize national elections within two years.
Rajoelina’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
