Madagascar thwarts assassination attempt on President Rajoelina

The Prosecutor-general’s office in Madagascar has disclosed that it thwarted an assassination attempt on President Andry Rajoelina, and apprehended quite a few “foreign and Malagasy” suspects.

Two French persons are among several arrested in the Indian Ocean island country on Tuesday “as part of an investigation for undermining state security”, diplomatic sources stated.

“Several foreign and Madagascar nationals were arrested on Tuesday, July 20, as part of an investigation into an attack on state security,” declared Prosecutor Berthine Razafiarivony, according to a statement issued overnight.

“At this stage of the investigation, which is ongoing, the Prosecutor-general’s office assures we will shed light in on this case,” she added.

During the nation’s Independence Day celebrations on June 26, the gendarmerie said they had stopped an assassination attempt on their boss who is also the President’s right-hand man, General Richard Ravalomanana.