Madagascar Suspends Corruption Cases Against Former President

Madagascar’s Anti-Corruption Unit has temporarily suspended proceedings involving former President Andry Rajoelina, former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, and other officials, pending a High Constitutional Court ruling on whether the unit has jurisdiction given the defendants’ status. The major complaints against the officials concern the alleged misappropriation of 36 kilograms of gold, suspected financial misconduct in contracts for school furniture, and the management of the country’s sovereign wealth fund. Additional allegations involve forgery, fraudulent documents, and money laundering linked to the education ministry. The suspension does not establish guilt or innocence, but it delays potential accountability in cases involving former senior officials. The court’s ruling could determine how investigations proceed and test the independence and effectiveness of Madagascar’s anti-corruption institutions.