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French Ex-Soldier Held in Madagascar Plot
29 Apr
Summary
- A French ex-serviceman was detained for allegedly plotting to destabilize Madagascar.
- Charges include criminal conspiracy and sabotaging infrastructure like power lines.
- A French diplomat was also expelled from Madagascar amid the accusations.
A former French serviceman is currently detained in Madagascar, facing multiple charges including criminal conspiracy and plotting to sabotage crucial infrastructure. The alleged plot, set for April 18, also implicated a Malagasy army officer and aimed to cause power outages and incite unrest.
Madagascar's foreign ministry has declared a French diplomat persona non grata, accusing them of destabilizing the country. France strongly refuted these allegations, summoning the Malagasy charge d'affaires in Paris to protest what it called "unfounded" accusations.
The suspects reportedly used a Whatsapp group named "Revolution of the Brave Citizens" to coordinate plans. These included igniting security forces' rebellion and mobilizing youth for unrest.
This situation echoes past instability on the island; last September, youth-led protests led to the ousting of the then-President Andry Rajoelina. The current government, led by Col Michael Randrianirina since October 2025, faces internal dissent from some of last year's protest leaders.
While younger members of the alleged plot group are under judicial supervision, the French ex-serviceman is held in a maximum-security facility, highlighting Madagascar's ongoing challenges with political stability.
