Madagascar detains French ex-serviceman and army colonel over alleged destabilisation plot
A diplomatic row has emerged as Madagascar moves to arrest a French national and a Malagasy officer, alleging a conspiracy to undermine state infrastructure ahead of a scheduled date in April.
Madagascar has detained French national Guy Baret and Malagasy army Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy following an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to destabilise the island. Deputy Prosecutor Nomenarinera Mihamintsoa Ramanantsoa confirmed in a video statement that Baret is currently held in pretrial detention at Tsiafahy maximum-security prison, while Rakotomamonjy awaits presentation before an investigating judge. Two other suspects remain under judicial supervision, though prosecutors note they do not appear to be the masterminds of the operation.
The charges brought against the pair are extensive, including criminal conspiracy, harbouring wanted individuals, and plotting to sabotage critical infrastructure. Specifically, prosecutors allege the suspects planned to damage power lines and thermal plants operated by the state utility Jirama. The indictment also includes accusations of spreading false information designed to disturb public order. Authorities state that the alleged actions were initially scheduled to take place on 18 April.
In a significant escalation of the situation, Madagascar has declared an agent at the French embassy persona non grata due to acts linked to the ongoing investigation. The Madagascar Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision but declined to identify the specific agent or detail the acts in question. This move has triggered a formal diplomatic protest from Paris, where France has summoned the Malagasy charge d'affaires to address the expulsion.
French officials have categorically rejected the allegations as unfounded and incomprehensible. Pascal Confavreux, a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry, stated that Paris had informed the Malagasy diplomat that France rejects any accusation of destabilising the Refoundation regime of the Republic of Madagascar. The French government maintains that such claims lack merit and do not reflect the reality of the situation.
The diplomatic dispute unfolds against a backdrop of recent political instability in the island nation. President Michael Randrianirina, a military ruler who seized power in October last year following youth-led protests against predecessor Andry Rajoelina, currently holds office. France assisted Rajoelina in fleeing the country during the same period as protests over water and energy shortages intensified, a context that now colours the current tensions between the two nations.
While the investigation continues, the specific acts committed by the expelled embassy agent remain unidentified by Malagasy authorities. The extent of the involvement of the suspects under judicial supervision is also unclear, with the investigation into the sabotage plots and harbouring charges still ongoing. As the standoff persists, the incident highlights the complex institutional and historical ties between the former colony and its former colonial power.
