Madagascar's prosecutor's office announced on Thursday that 13 people, including a general, were being prosecuted for their alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate the interim head of state, Colonel Michael Randrianirina.

General Randrianirina took power in October 2025 following protests that forced his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina, to resign.

Prosecutor Narindra Navalona Rakotoniaina stated that 11 suspects had been detained and arrest warrants had been issued for the others.

"It should be emphasized that senior officers are among those involved in this case, including a general who has already publicly declared his intention to participate in a coup," she said.

Ms. Rakotoniaina did not name the general but stressed that Colonel Patrick Rakotomamonjy was among those who conceived and organized the operation.

He held a senior position at the presidency until his dismissal in January.

Investigators discovered WhatsApp messages exchanged between the suspects, and some admitted that funds in their accounts had been used to finance the plot, the prosecutor said.

Searches also uncovered large sums of money and weapons at the suspects' homes.

This alleged plot comes amid political upheaval, after youth-led protests against water and electricity shortages forced former President Rajoelina to flee his country with the help of France.

The interim head of state, whose military unit supported the protesters, pledged to call elections by the end of 2027.

In March, he announced the formation of a new government, still without including representatives of the Gen Z youth movement that had helped to overthrow his predecessor.