Madagascar claims to have foiled an assassination attempt on its president, two French arrested

Published on : 07/22/2021 – 12:24

The Madagascan prosecutor’s office announced, Thursday, July 22, that it had foiled an assassination attempt on President Andry Rajoelina. Several individuals were arrested.

“Several foreign and Malagasy nationals were arrested Tuesday as part of an investigation for endangering state security,” Attorney General Berthine Razafiarivony told reporters on Wednesday evening.

Among these people arrested are two French, we learned Thursday from a diplomatic source.

“According to the material evidence in our possession, these individuals have devised a plan for the elimination and neutralization of various Malagasy personalities, including the head of state,” added the prosecutor, without further clarification either on this evidence or on the circumstances. of these arrests.

“At this stage of the ongoing investigation, the general prosecutor’s office ensures that all light will be shed on this case,” she continued.

The Malagasy Taratra agency, under the supervision of the Ministry of Communication, informed that the two French arrested, Philippe F. and Paul R., would be retired former officers.

During the celebration of Madagascar’s Independence Day, June 26, the gendarmerie had already announced that it had foiled an assassination attempt, that of the Secretary of State in charge of the gendarmerie – General Richard Ravalomanana, the right arm Of the president.

One of the poorest countries in the world, Madagascar has experienced many political crises for 20 years. The Big Island has been almost locked since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the famine is currently hitting a region in the south of the country head-on.

With AFP