Madagascar Arrests Foreign Nationals on Charges of Targeting the President in Assassination and Coup Plot

Madagascar's intelligence services announced on Saturday, November 8, the arrest of two foreign nationals as part of an investigation into an alleged coup and assassination plot targeting President Michael Randraianarivelo.

Arrest Details and Seized Evidence

• Raid and Arrest: The arrests followed a raid conducted between Friday evening and Saturday morning at the home of one of the suspects. The identities and nationalities of the detainees have not yet been disclosed.

• "Smoking Gun" Evidence: Security forces seized the following during the operation:

  • A huge sum of cash estimated at 2 billion Ariary (approximately 385,000 euros).

  • Foreign currencies.

  • 6 firearms (3 hunting rifles and 3 automatic pistols).

• Intelligence Statement: The Director-General of Intelligence, Rufine Tologara Liberia, confirmed that these items constitute "smoking gun evidence," noting that the detainees could not justify their possession of the money and weapons.

• Broader Investigation: Liberia added that the investigation is part of a broader context concerning an "attempted coup and assassination directly targeting the President," with a group of three other suspects still at large.

Sensitive Political Context

These developments occur during a sensitive time when President Randraianarivelo is implementing a series of anti-corruption reforms and governance enhancement measures, including a temporary travel ban for senior officials and a freeze on financial commitments (excluding food expenses).

Despite the authorities' affirmation of the information's reliability, the mystery surrounding its source raises concerns about the potential for political exploitation of the case, as the regime seeks to project firmness against destabilization attempts.