The former leader, who spent five years in exile in South Africa after his overthrow in 2009, has not issued any press statement or announced a press conference.

Madagascar President Hery Rajoanarimampiani said he was releasing Marc Ravalomanana as part of the peace process in the island state battling to overcome years of economic isolation as a result of the coup.

His move follows a reconciliation process driven by churches in Madagascar.

Ravalomanana’s staff say he now allowed to move around freely. He was placed under house arrest – ostensibly for his own safety – when he seized the initiative and went home last year.

In doing so he angered both his hosts in South Africa and the new president who won elections at the end of 2013.

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