Madagascar's former Senate president, Richard Ravalomanana, has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the violent crackdown on youth-led protests. The protests last year contributed to the downfall of the previous government.
The sentencing of a former high-ranking official highlights the ongoing political transition and accountability efforts in Madagascar following a period of significant civil unrest and government change.
Madagascar's former Senate president, Richard Ravalomanana, has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his alleged role in the violent crackdown on youth-led protests that contributed to the previous government's downfall. A court in the capital, Antananarivo, found the retired general and close ally of former President Andry Rajoelina guilty of complicity in murder on Tuesday.
Prosecutors accused Ravalomanana of instructing security forces to use violence against demonstrators during the 'Gen Z protests' in September and October 2025. The unrest, initially sparked by power and water shortages, evolved into a broader movement against Rajoelina's administration. UN figures cited by local media indicate that at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured.
Ravalomanana, who denies the allegations, stated his intention to appeal the verdict. His defence team questioned the evidence linking him directly to the violence, with a former national police chief testifying that Ravalomanana was not part of the operational chain of command and issued no orders. Ravalomanana was removed as Senate president in October 2025, shortly after the protests, and arrested in December. He has been in pre-trial detention for seven months. He is also facing a separate corruption investigation.
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