On April 17, 2026, security forces in Madagascar arrested Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy on suspicion of plotting to assassinate President Michaël Randrianirina.
Col. Rakotomamonjy was apprehended in Antananarivo on the evening of April 16 and later transferred to Tsiafahy Prison, located about 30 kilometers south of the capital.
The officer had been openly critical of the transitional government led by Col. Randrianirina, who came to power after removing former president Andry Rajoelina last year.
He had used social media to accuse the government of mismanaging public resources and corruption.
Since early April, security agencies had been searching for him over allegations of organizing a plot to kill the president. Authorities also confirmed that 11 other individuals have been arrested in connection with the same case.
Col. Rakotomamonjy previously worked in the office of President Randrianirina but was dismissed in January 2026. Following his dismissal, he intensified his accusations against the government, claiming to have firsthand knowledge of wrongdoing.
He also accused businessman Koufali Daya, a close associate of the president, of intimidating government officials claims the government has dismissed as baseless.
