Madagascar Jails French Ex‑Serviceman and Expels Diplomat Over Destabilisation Allegations

TL;DR: Madagascar has placed former French serviceman Guy Baret in pre‑trial detention and expelled a French embassy official, accusing them of a scheme to destabilise the island nation.

Madagascar’s authorities announced Tuesday that they have arrested Guy Baret, a French national who previously served in the French armed forces, on suspicion of participating in a plot to undermine the government. In a separate move, the foreign ministry declared an unnamed French embassy employee persona non grata, effectively ordering the diplomat to leave the country.

Deputy Prosecutor Nomenarinera Mihintsoa Ramanantsoa said Baret is being held at Tsiafahy maximum‑security prison while prosecutors build a case. The indictment alleges that Baret and several Malagasy co‑accused, including Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy, spread false information, plotted sabotage of power lines and state‑run thermal plants, harboured wanted individuals, and conspired to disturb public order. The alleged actions were slated for April 18.

Ramanantsoa noted that Rakotomamonjy awaits a hearing before an investigating judge, while two other suspects remain under judicial supervision but are not considered the plot’s masterminds. The investigation links the group to a broader effort to destabilise the “Refoundation regime” established after President Michael Randrianirina seized power in October 2023.

France responded by summoning the charge d’affaires of the Madagascan embassy in Paris to protest the expulsion. French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux rejected the accusations as “unfounded” and “incomprehensible,” emphasizing that France does not support any effort to destabilise Madagascar’s current government.

The diplomatic fallout underscores lingering tensions between Madagascar and its former colonial power. Madagascar retains close political ties to France, yet recent years have seen frequent protests and a military‑led transition that strained the relationship. France previously assisted former President Andry Rajoelina’s departure amid unrest over water and energy shortages.

The expulsion of the French diplomat and the detention of Baret signal a hardening stance by Madagascar’s authorities against perceived foreign interference. The case will test the island’s judicial process and could influence future cooperation on security and development.

What to watch next: Developments in the court proceedings against Baret and Rakotomamonjy, and any diplomatic retaliation from France that could affect aid and investment flows to Madagascar.