Thursday, July 22, 2021

Madagascar president survives assassination attempt

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar

Several suspects were arrested in relation to a foiled assassination attempt on Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, the country’s prosecutor general’s office said on Thursday.

Two French people are among several people arrested in the Indian Ocean island nation on Tuesday "as part of an investigation for undermining state security," Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported, citing diplomatic sources.

RFI radio reported that the detained foreigners were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy individual, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. 

According to the media outlet's anonymous source, Rafanoharana was arrested at his home Tuesday evening, while Francois was detained at Ivato Airport as he was about to leave for France.

"Several foreign and Madagascar nationals were arrested on Tuesday, July 20, as part of an investigation into an attack on state security," said prosecutor Berthine Razafiarivony, in a statement released 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 country's Independence Day celebrations on June 26, the gendarmerie announced that they had foiled an assassination attempt on their boss who is also the president's right-hand man, General Richard Ravalomanana.

Details to follow…..

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