In Madagascar, thirteen individuals are facing prosecution for allegedly participating in a plot to assassinate the transitional president, Michaël Randrianirina, and seize power in a coup. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 2, 2026, by the Attorney General of the Antananarivo First Instance Court. Investigators reportedly found large amounts of cash and firearms at the homes of the suspects.
According to RFI, the alleged coup plot involves officers of the Malagasy army, including a general, the Attorney General Narindra Navalona Rakotoniaina said.
Eleven of the suspects have been placed in detention, while two others are subject to arrest warrants. Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy, the only suspect publicly identified, is said by the magistrate to be among those who “orchestrated these crimes.”
Previously, Rakotomamonjy briefly served as director of the grievances office at the Presidency of the Refoundation until January. Since then, he has become a focal point of criticism from the new regime, which has accused him of corruption in viral social media videos.
Previous Case in November
In addition to the cash and weapons seized, investigators discovered WhatsApp conversations between the suspects, as well as 20 billion ariary (over €4 million) in their personal bank accounts, reportedly intended to finance the operation, according to confessions from several suspects. The date and further details of the foiled coup have not been disclosed.
Last November, Malagasy intelligence arrested two foreign nationals in a separate case who were also suspected of plotting an assassination attempt against Michaël Randrianirina.
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