Richard Ravalomanana was convicted of complicity in murder over the deadly response to youth-led demonstrations that helped bring down Madagascar’s former government.
Antananarivo, Madagascar (Running Africa) — Madagascar’s former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labor after being convicted over his role in the deadly security crackdown on youth-led protests in 2025.
A court in Antananarivo found the retired general and former ally of ex-President Andry Rajoelina guilty of complicity in murder.
Prosecutors accused Ravalomanana of using his influence within Madagascar’s security establishment to support violent measures against demonstrators during unrest that left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to United Nations figures.
Ravalomanana denied directing security operations, and his lawyers said they plan to appeal the conviction.
Richard Ravalomanana Convicted Over Madagascar Protests
Prosecutors argued that Ravalomanana used his position and connections within the security services to support the crackdown against protesters.
The court ultimately convicted him of complicity in murder and imposed a 10-year hard-labor sentence.
His defense disputed the prosecution’s case, arguing that investigators had failed to establish a direct connection between Ravalomanana and orders issued to security forces operating on the ground.
A former police chief who testified during the proceedings also challenged the prosecution’s account of Ravalomanana’s position within the operational chain of command.
The planned appeal means the legal proceedings surrounding the former Senate president are expected to continue.
2025 Madagascar Protests Left at Least 22 Dead
The case stems from major protests that erupted across Madagascar in September 2025.
Initially driven by public frustration over prolonged electricity and water shortages, the demonstrations developed into a broader youth-led movement against Rajoelina’s government.
Security forces responded as unrest intensified.
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 were injured, according to figures reported by the United Nations.
The deaths intensified scrutiny of the authorities’ response and raised questions over responsibility for the use of force against demonstrators.
Former Senate President Denies Directing Security Crackdown
Ravalomanana has maintained that he did not direct the security operations carried out during the protests.
His defense argued that his senior political position did not establish that he issued operational orders or controlled forces deployed against demonstrators.
Despite those arguments, the court found him criminally responsible for complicity in murder.
Ravalomanana was removed from his position as Senate president following the protests and was later arrested. He had already spent months in detention before receiving the 10-year sentence.
Legal Cases Follow Fall of Rajoelina Government
Ravalomanana’s conviction comes amid broader legal proceedings involving figures associated with the former Rajoelina administration following the political upheaval that removed the president from power.
The cases are drawing attention to how Madagascar addresses responsibility for the deadly violence surrounding the 2025 protests.
For Ravalomanana, the next stage will be an appeal against his conviction and sentence.
The proceedings are also likely to remain politically significant as Madagascar continues dealing with the aftermath of the 2025 protests, including demands for accountability over the deaths and injuries recorded during the security crackdown.
