The political situation is very tense in Madagascar.
New suspects, including generals, soldiers and police officers were arrested there following the foiled project of assassination of President Andry Rajoelina, announced Sunday the Attorney General Berthine Razafiarivony.
"On the project of assassination of the President of the Republic, to date, 21 people have been arrested" and are the subject of an investigation, indicated the prosecutor.
Among them, "14 were placed in police custody".
Five generals arrested
Twelve of these people arrested "are active soldiers and gendarmes, including five generals, two captains and five non-commissioned officers," said the prosecutor. "There are also four national and foreign gendarmes and retired soldiers and five other civilians," she added. Six people, including two French, were initially arrested on suspicion of having been involved in this failed coup attempt. The police also indicated that 209,300 euros had been seized during the arrests, as well as a rifle and two cars.
Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt which prosecutors say was part of a plot.
"According to the material evidence in our possession, these individuals have devised a plan to eliminate and neutralize various Malagasy personalities, including the head of state," the prosecutor said on July 22, without further clarification.
Famine and Covid-19
The plot revelations came after months of turbulence marked by threats against journalists covering the Covid-19 pandemic in the country and the onset of famine in the South.
Andry Rajoelina, 47, came to power in March 2009 with the support of the army.
He won the last election in December 2018, beating his rival and predecessor Marc Ravalomanana in a poll marred by accusations of fraud.
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Madagascar
Assassination
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Assassination attempt
Rebellion