Madagascar detains French national over alleged plot to stir unrest

Malagasy prosecuters used a Whatsapp group as evidence for the detained individuals alleged crimes. Madagascar detains French national over alleged plot to stir unrest Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Michael Randrianirina took control of the country in October 2025, after the former president was desposed Randrianirina standing wearing a black suit and a green, red and white striped sash, with an official badge on his left lapel. there is a mic in front of him and a partial Malagay flag to his right. A former French serviceman has been detained in Madagascar for allegedly taking part in a plot to destabilise the island, authorities say. Prosecutor Nomenarinera Mihamintsoa 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. Speaking in a video statement on Tuesday evening, he said other accomplices - including a Malagasy army officer - had also been charged for the alleged plot, set to be carried out on 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". Its statement on Wednesday called the accusations "not only unfounded, but also incomprehensible given the consistent and concrete support provided by France". Malagasy prosecutor Ramanantsoa on Tuesday said the suspects in the alleged plot had also been charged with spreading false information to disturb public order, and harbouring wanted individuals. Authorities referred to a Whatsapp group chat called Revolution of the Brave Citizens as evidence of their alleged plans, said to include power cuts, attempting to incite security forces to rebel against the government, and mobilising young people to create unrest. Last September, the Indian Ocean island was rocked by weeks of youth-led protests, which helped topple the country's then President Andry Rajoelina. Col 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. Ramanantsoa said the young members of the group have been placed under judicial supervision, while the French former serviceman is currently being held in detention at a maximum security prison. A former French colony, Madagascar has close political links to France and has a history of instability since independence. A close-up of three students chanting anti-government slogans. Madagascar's Gen Z protesters angry at coup leader's choice of PM Petrol attendant busy inserting the nozzle in the vehicle at a filling station Madagascar declares state of emergency over severe fuel shortages linked to Iran war Coups, elections and protests - a difficult year for democracy in Africa A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica The presidency says it is taking action as it fears fuel shortages could lead to public disorder. Col Randrianirina, who seized power last year, did not give a reason for dissolving his government. Conservationists have been displaced after a tropical cyclone that devastated much of the island. The UK has issued similar advice, telling citizens who stay, that they do so at their own risk. The 28-year-old was arrested in February after a man had been shot at his home in Johannesburg. The mountain bongo is a rare antelope endemic to Kenyan highland forests, with less than 100 in the wild. The military came to power to bolster security but the weekend's attacks have brought that into question. Diezani Alison-Madueke is accused of being treated to luxury home stays and lavish spending sprees in the UK, which she denies.