Madagascar has temporarily suspended corruption proceedings involving former President Andry Rajoelina and several senior officials while authorities determine which court has the power to hear the cases.
The country’s Anti-Corruption Unit (PAC) announced the decision on October 21. It said the proceedings would remain suspended until the High Constitutional Court (HCC) rules on jurisdiction.
According to Africanews, the complaints involve allegations of gold misappropriation, misuse of public funds and financial misconduct.
Former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and former Education Minister Marie Michelle Sahondrarimalala are also named in some of the cases.
Madagascar court pauses corruption proceedings
The PAC said it had received complaints from the Directorate of Legislation and Litigation (DLC).
However, the anti-corruption court must first establish whether it has the legal authority to investigate and hear the cases.
The issue concerns the status of the former senior officials named in the complaints.
As a result, the PAC has referred the matter to Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court.
The suspension is procedural. It does not mean the allegations have been dismissed or that the individuals involved have been found guilty.
Under Madagascar’s Constitution, courts must suspend proceedings when a constitutional objection is raised.
The High Constitutional Court is then required to issue a ruling within one month.
Former president named in gold investigation
One of the complaints concerns the alleged misappropriation of 36 kilograms of gold.
The gold was reportedly linked to the Ministry of Mines and Strategic Resources.
Authorities are examining allegations that the precious metal was improperly removed or managed.
However, the proceedings have been paused while the constitutional court considers the jurisdictional question.
No finding of guilt has been established in the suspended case.
School contracts face corruption allegations
A second complaint concerns public contracts for supplying desks and benches to schools.
Investigators are examining suspected financial misconduct and the alleged misuse of public funds during the awarding of those contracts.
The complaint names former President Andry Rajoelina, former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and former Education Minister Marie Michelle Sahondrarimalala.
The PAC also referred to allegations involving forged documents and money laundering connected to the Ministry of National Education.
These allegations form part of the wider proceedings awaiting a decision on jurisdiction.
Separately, Sahondrarimalala received a five-year prison sentence on September 30 for undermining state security.
That conviction is distinct from the suspended corruption cases.
Sovereign wealth fund also under scrutiny
The third major complaint concerns the management of Madagascar’s sovereign wealth fund.
The fund is intended to manage financial resources on behalf of the state.
However, authorities have raised questions about its administration.
The PAC has not yet proceeded with a full examination of the allegations because of the unresolved jurisdictional issue.
The High Constitutional Court’s decision will determine whether the anti-corruption court can continue handling the complaints.
Constitutional ruling to determine next steps
The suspension comes as Madagascar continues to address allegations of financial misconduct involving former senior officials.
The cases concern several areas of public administration, including mining, education and state financial management.
However, the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
The High Constitutional Court must now determine whether the PAC has jurisdiction over the individuals named in the complaints.
Its ruling will establish how the cases can proceed.
Until then, the corruption proceedings involving Rajoelina and the other former officials will remain on hold.