Madagascar has detained a French national and charged several people, including a Malagasy army officer, over what authorities say was a plot to destabilise the country.
Prosecutor Nomenarinera Mihamintsoa Ramanantsoa said the former French serviceman faces charges including criminal conspiracy and planning to sabotage key infrastructure such as power lines and thermal plants.
In a video statement, the prosecutor said the alleged plot was scheduled to be carried out on 18 April and involved multiple accomplices.
The group is also accused of spreading false information to disturb public order and harbouring wanted individuals.
Authorities cited a WhatsApp group called Revolution of the Brave Citizens as evidence, alleging that the suspects discussed triggering power cuts, inciting security forces to rebel and mobilising young people to create unrest.
The case has triggered diplomatic tensions between Antananarivo and Paris.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry expelled a French diplomat for alleged involvement in the plot, an accusation France has strongly rejected.
The French foreign ministry summoned Madagascar’s chargé d’affaires in Paris to protest the expulsion, calling the claims “unfounded” and “incomprehensible” given what it described as France’s longstanding support to the country.
JN/APA