Published 8 days ago • loading... • Updated 7 days ago
Madagascar detains French former serviceman over alleged mutiny plot
Prosecutors say the suspects planned power cuts, traffic disruption and mutiny efforts, and 2 others were placed under judicial supervision.
On Tuesday, Madagascar declared an agent at the French embassy in Antananarivo persona non grata, citing conduct "incompatible with his status" after summoning French Ambassador Arnaud Guillois to communicate the decision.
Deputy Prosecutor Nomenarinera Mihamintsoa Ramanantsoa said Tuesday that former French serviceman Guy Baret was placed in pretrial detention at Tsiafahy prison, accused of plotting infrastructure sabotage and inciting mutiny among security forces.
Prosecutors cited a WhatsApp group called "Revolution of the Brave Citizens" as evidence the conspirators planned power cuts and efforts to incite security forces to rebel against state institutions, targeting thermal plants operated by Jirama.
The French foreign ministry rejected the allegations as false, while the expulsion follows social media claims that "French mercenaries" had arrived on the island under President Michael Randrianirina.
Since Randrianirina seized power last October, Madagascar has drawn closer to Russia, accepting military instructors to train local forces in January; the country faces presidential elections by the end of 2027 under a transition roadmap.