Marc Ravalomanana was sentenced in absentia for the February 2009 murders of at least 30 people by his presidential guard.

Mr Ravalomanana has been living in South Africa since March 2009.

Those killed were supporters of Andry Rajoelina, who has now taken over the government.

Mr Ravalomanana was charged with murder and being an accessory to murder, along with 18 other people, some of whom are also in exile.