Madagascar Detains Former French Serviceman, Expels Diplomat Over Alleged 18 April Plot
A former French serviceman has been detained in Madagascar, charged with criminal conspiracy and plotting to sabotage infrastructure, including power lines and thermal plants. Prosecutor Nomenarinera Mihamintsoa Ramanantsoa stated on Tuesday evening that other alleged accomplices, including a Malagasy army officer, also face charges for the scheme, which authorities claim was planned for 18 April.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry has also expelled a French diplomat for alleged involvement in efforts to destabilise the country. The French foreign ministry responded by summoning Madagascar’s chargé d’affaires in Paris, issuing a “vigorous protest” and rejecting “any accusations of destabilising the regime.” A statement on Wednesday called the accusations “unfounded” and “incomprehensible” given France’s “consistent and concrete support.”
Prosecutor Ramanantsoa added that suspects in the alleged plot were also charged with spreading false information to disturb public order and harbouring wanted individuals. Authorities cited a WhatsApp group, “Revolution of the Brave Citizens,” as evidence, detailing alleged plans for power cuts, incitement of security forces, and mobilisation of young people for unrest. Some young people involved in last September’s protests, which ultimately led to the ousting of then-President Andry Rajoelina, have also been detained. The former French serviceman is held in a maximum-security prison, while the younger suspects are under judicial supervision.
