France denies Madagascar coup plot claims

A former French serviceman has been detained in Madagascar for allegedly taking part in a plot to destabilise the island, authorities say. According to BBC News, prosecutor Nomenarinera Ramanantsoa said the French national had been charged with multiple offences, including criminal conspiracy and plotting to sabotage infrastructure such as power lines and thermal plants. In a video statement on Tuesday, he said other accomplices – including a Malagasy army officer – had also been charged for the alleged plot, which had been planned for 18 April. Madagascar's Foreign Ministry has also expelled a French diplomat for alleged involvement in destabilising the country, which France has denied. The French Foreign Ministry responded by summoning Madagascar's charge d'affaires in Paris, to ‘vigorously protest’ over the expulsion of its official, rejecting ‘any accusations of destabilising the regime’. Ramanantsoa said the suspects in the alleged plot had also been charged with spreading false information to disturb public order, and harbouring wanted individuals. Last September, the Indian Ocean island was rocked by weeks of youth-led protests, which helped topple the country's then President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina led the coup and was sworn in as head of state in October 2025. Some of the young people behind last year's protests have since fallen out with him, warning him not to ‘hijack the rebellion’. Young people were also among those detained on Tuesday.

Full BBC News report