Former Madagascar Senate President Sentenced to 10 Years of Hard Labour
In a landmark ruling, Madagascar’s former Senate president, retired general Richard Ravalomanana, has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labour by a court in Antananarivo. The judgment comes after a verdict of complicity in murder linked to last year’s violent suppression of youth‑led protests.
The crackdown, often referred to as the Gen Z protests, began in September 2025 amid sustained frustration over power shortages and water crises. Over the following weeks demonstrators escalated their demands against President Andry Rajoelina’s government. At least 22 people lost their lives and more than 100 were wounded, according to United Nations figures cited by local media.
Prosecutors accused Ravalomanana of issuing orders to security forces—including the gendarmerie—that led to the use of lethal force against protesters. The court ruled he was instrumental in orchestrating the violent response, saying his role amounted to complicity in murder.
Ravalomanana, who was removed as Senate president in October after the protests, denied the allegations. He has stated he will appeal the sentence, arguing that no written or verbal orders link him to the violent actions. His legal team also challenged the evidentiary basis and has already filed a request to review the case in a higher court.
The conviction is part of a wider series of legal actions targeting former regime figures following the overthrow of Rajoelina’s administration. Other senior officials associated with the previous government are also facing investigations, including corruption probes that run parallel to this case.
The sentencing underscores Madagascar’s attempt to reckon with the violent chapters of its recent political crisis and the consequences for those who helped shape the crackdown. It also signals a shift toward accountability for actions that contributed to the tumultuous transition from a populist regime to a new military‑led government headed by Col Michael Randrianirina.
