The presidency in Madagascar announced that an assassination attempt targeting President Michael Randrianireina and his wife had been thwarted, after five drones flew over the presidential residence, before being forced to leave by jamming systems belonging to the presidential security service.

Attempted assassination of the President of Madagascar

Harry Laurent Rahadzason, the communications director in the president's office, explained that the aircraft were not carrying ammunition but infrared surveillance equipment to monitor activities inside the headquarters, and confirmed that an investigation into the incident had been opened.

Security concerns in Madagascar

In a related development, the defense and security forces called on citizens to remain calm, warning of the dangers of excesses that could threaten national stability and the functioning of institutions. For the first time since the start of the transitional period, the three branches of the security forces spoke with one voice, with the Minister of the Armed Forces, the Minister Delegate for the National Gendarmerie, and senior officials from the army, gendarmerie, and police issuing a joint statement. General Razavitimbo stressed the need to respect the existing order and ensure the smooth progress of the national dialogue, cautioning against attempts to sow discord through social media.

Expressing opinions peacefully in Madagascar

The Minister of the Armed Forces also emphasized the importance of expressing opinions peacefully, calling for rapprochement and dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect. Meanwhile, authorities continued a campaign of arrests linked to alleged attempts to destabilize the country, detaining four members of Generation Z on Sunday. The National Police confirmed they were being held for questioning, with two later released for health reasons.

The statement issued by Ambahibi addressed a message to members of the defense and security forces, emphasizing respect for the law and institutions, while the Minister of the Armed Forces stressed that these forces are not a tool to achieve personal or political ambitions.

Recent events reflect a tense political climate in Madagascar, amid official warnings of coup attempts and national destabilization, which has prompted interventions by the armed forces to calm public unrest in the country.