Andry Rajoelina (born 1974), the former DJ turned two-time president of Madagascar, was removed from power in a dramatic military takeover in October 2025. Following weeks of youth-led “Gen Z” protests over economic mismanagement and chronic utility shortages, Rajoelina fled the country. As of January 11, 2026, he is a stateless fugitive, having been stripped of his Malagasy citizenship while the new military-led government seeks his extradition for trial.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Andry Nirina Rajoelina |
| Born | May 30, 1974, Antsirabe, Madagascar |
| Former Office | President of Madagascar (2009–2014; 2019–2025) |
| Current Status | In Exile (Whereabouts officially unknown; likely France or UAE) |
| Legal Status | Citizenship Revoked (Oct 2025); Impeached for “Desertion of Duty.” |
| Successor | Colonel Michael Randrianirina (Interim President) |
January 2026: The Fall of the “TGV”
The first weeks of 2026 find Rajoelina at his lowest political ebb, facing severe legal and personal consequences for the collapse of his administration.
-
Citizenship Revocation (Oct 27, 2025 – Jan 2026): In a final blow to his political standing, the transitional government led by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo signed a decree stripping Rajoelina of his Malagasy citizenship. The move utilized a controversial law regarding dual nationality (Rajoelina secretly held a French passport, which had caused a scandal during the 2023 elections). As of January 2026, he is legally a foreigner to the country he once ruled.
-
The Hunt for Justice: On January 7, 2026, Madagascar’s new ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, reiterated during an international interview that Rajoelina must “face justice” for the shooting of demonstrators during the October unrest, which left at least 22 people dead. The interim government is currently preparing formal extradition requests.
-
Whereabouts: While Rajoelina issued a social media statement in late 2025 claiming he left to “protect his life,” his exact location remains unconfirmed. Intelligence reports from late December 2025 suggested he moved from Reunion Island to Dubai, though he is also rumored to be seeking permanent asylum in France.
The “Gen Z” Revolution of 2025
Rajoelina’s second term ended not through the ballot box, but through a total collapse of public and military confidence:
-
The Utility Crisis: The spark for his downfall was the “chronic failure” of JIRAMA (the state water and power company).7 In September 2025, daily blackouts lasting 12+ hours triggered the “Gen Z Collective” to take to the streets of Antananarivo.
-
The Military Pivot: The turning point occurred on October 11, 2025, when the elite CAPSAT military unit—the same unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in 2009—turned against him, citing the government’s “violent repression” of young protesters.
-
The Flight: Rajoelina fled the country between October 11 and 12, 2025, reportedly exfiltrated by French forces. On October 14, 2025, the National Assembly voted 130–1 to impeach him for “desertion of duty.”
Legacy: From Reformer to Pariah
Rajoelina’s career has been a rollercoaster of high-profile projects and deep economic pain:
-
The “TGV” Brand: Known by his nickname “TGV” (after the French high-speed train), he initially symbolized youth and rapid modernization. However, his focus on “vanity projects”—like the $152 million cable car in the capital—while citizens lacked water, became a primary source of public resentment.
-
The “Gold Mafia” Shadow: His administration’s final months were dogged by allegations of involvement in regional gold-smuggling rings, leading to the destabilization of his wealthiest financial backers, such as billionaire Mamy Ravatomanga.
2026 Outlook: A New Chapter for Madagascar
In early 2026, Madagascar remains under a two-year transitional military-civilian council.
-
Elections 2027: Colonel Randrianirina has promised new elections by late 2027 but has excluded Rajoelina and his immediate circle from participating.
-
The “Orange” Vacuum: With the Rajoelina family’s assets being investigated and their citizenship revoked, the political party he founded (TGV/IRD) is in total disarray, leaving a massive vacuum for new political leaders like Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko to fill.