Foreign Duo Busted in Alleged Madagascar Coup Plot

Two foreign business operators, who have resided in Madagascar for more than five years, were arrested on suspicion of attempting a coup d'état. This was announced on November 9 by the new Director General of the Malagasy Intelligence Services, Rufin Tolojara Lebiria.

The director confirmed that the two suspects are neither European nor Indo-Pakistani nationals.

Details of the Arrest and Seizure

During a search of a large property belonging to one of the men, authorities discovered:

• 2 billion Malagasy Ariary (approximately $440,000 USD) in cash, along with some foreign currency notes.

• Three powerful hunting rifles and three automatic pistols.

The two individuals are suspected of grave activities against the security of the State.

The Investigation

The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation based on "reliable intelligence" concerning a direct threat against the President of the Refoundation, Michael Randrianirina.

Intelligence officials state that a plot to assassinate the president and destabilize the government was foiled. The operation, which was reportedly commissioned from outside the country, is believed to involve a second group of three individuals who are currently being actively sought. #Madagascar #CoupAttempt #StateSecurity #ForeignNationals #MichaelRandrianirina