Madagascar charges dozens over alleged plot against president

Authorities in Madagascar have charged 13 individuals in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the government and assassinate transitional president Mikael Randrianirina, according to L'Express de Madagascar.

Prosecutor Narindra Rakotoniaina said the suspects were involved in what she described as a long-planned coup attempt that included a plot against the president’s life. “The detainees are implicated in an assassination attempt on the president and a carefully prepared coup. These actions form part of an attempt on the life of the head of state,” she stated.

So far, 11 suspects have been detained, while two others remain at large. Searches conducted at their homes resulted in the seizure of large sums of money and a significant cache of weapons. Those implicated include members of the military, among them a general who had previously publicly declared his intention to participate in a coup.

Authorities have identified Patrick Rakotomamonjy, a colonel and former official in the presidential administration, as one of the key organisers. He was dismissed from his post in January and has since used social media to criticise the government and call on the armed forces to “take responsibility.”

The case unfolds against the backdrop of recent political upheaval. On October 14, 2025, the National Assembly voted to remove then-president Andry Rajoelina due to his absence from the country. The High Constitutional Court of Madagascar subsequently proposed that the military, led by Randrianirina, assume power on a transitional basis. Randrianirina was sworn in on October 17.

By Tamilla Hasanova