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A Madagascar military general and 12 others have been charged in court in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow and assassinate the country’s interim leader, Michael Randrianirina.
According to the state prosecutor, Narindra Navalona Rakotoniaina, 11 suspects have been placed in detention, while arrest warrants have been issued for others linked to the alleged assassination plot targeting the interim leader.
“It should be noted that senior officers are among those involved in this case, including a general who has already spoken publicly and expressed his intention to take part in a coup,” said Rakotoniaina.
The state prosecutor did not disclose the identity of the military general, who was named one of the suspects in the plot. She, however, said that Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy was among those who had “designed and organised” the operation. Rakotomamonjy previously held a director-level position at the presidency until his dismissal in January 2026.
Investigators uncovered WhatsApp messages exchanged between the suspects. Some of the suspects admitted that funds from their personal accounts were used to finance the plot.
Rakotoniaina added that large sums of money and weapons were found during searches carried out at the suspects’ homes.
The interim leader came into power in October 2025 following youth-led protests that forced his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina, to step down. The Gen Z youth movement was at the centre of the protests.
Randrianirina dissolved his cabinet earlier in March. Later that month, he announced the formation of a new government, excluding representatives of the youth movement.
